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Psychology in France

Cedric E. Ginestet and Elisabeth Spitz with the latest in our international series.

18 September 2004

Geographically and ethnically, France is at the crossroads of Europe. The existence of natural boundaries accelerated the formation of the French nation, which rapidly became the most populous in Europe. Such a situation moulded France’s attitude towards communication, immigration and, especially, social engineering. Still prevalent today, the social system remains interventionist in nature – perhaps a remnant of Richelieu’s centralised administration, which elevated Paris as a capital of all political, social and scientific activity.

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