Abstract

The Author starts by describing the structure of the French social security system, which is occupational based with some universalistic elements. The model is essentially based on the traditional family, with a breadwinner male in a full employment situation. The era of flexibility and of fragmentation in a high competitive environment had not yet been foreseen. The level of protection is decent in the universalistic sectors of the system, while it is full of gaps where the system is occupational based. In this context, the universalisation of social protection is not believed to be the answer; the solution could rather be that of the creation of a professional status geared to restore continuity.