Angry French students take to the streets. British students don’t – and I think I know why
I grew up in France, where all children are taught about the revolutionary roots of their nation and what the state owes its citizens. The lessons leave their mark
TL;DR
- French education system emphasizes the history of protest and revolution, instilling a belief in collective power and civic responsibility.
- The concept of the social contract in France leads citizens to protest when the government is perceived to breach its obligations, such as raising the retirement age or cutting budgets.
- British culture leans towards individualism, with a history of protests viewed as isolated events rather than integral to national identity, and a decline in union power.
- French protests often see solidarity from other groups like firefighters, nurses, and teachers, emboldening student participation.
- While French youth are taught to engage with and challenge the state, British youth tend to join existing movements rather than initiate their own large-scale street actions.