The “community of labour” in troubled times (1926–1944): François Perroux’s irrational foundations of economic expertise

The article analyses the works of François Perroux from the interwar years to the Vichy period (July 10th, 1940-August 20th, 1944). It shows in particular that through his conceptualisation of a “community of labour” as the fusion of both the activity and consciousness of a people, Perroux sought to bring together social mysticism (anti-rationalism) with economic and political organisation. Such a synthesis needs to be personified by a political leader as the main custodian of a national myth which should guide the community of labour from above. This interpretation helps to situate Perroux vis-à-vis some of the structuring elements of Vichy discourse.