In an interview with Le Monde, political scientist Anne Muxel explains that French fears are now less framed by institutions and have strong political repercussions. Based on a survey of over 3,000 people, her book co-authored with Pascal Perrineau inventories collective and individual anxieties. These fears, amplified by uncertainty, are exploited by populisms.
Political scientist Anne Muxel and her colleague Pascal Perrineau have published Inventaire des peurs françaises (Odile Jacob, 256 pages, €22.90), the result of an unprecedented survey of a representative sample of over 3,000 French people. This work follows an analysis of emotions during the health crisis and explores 'sad passions' in a context of growing uncertainty.
Why this inventory? 'We live in a moment where it becomes increasingly difficult to project oneself: among younger generations, fears are numerous and intense,' explains Muxel. The goal is to decrypt French society through this sentiment, which shapes worldviews and is co-opted by populisms.
Archaic fears—death, illness, loss of a loved one—are more acute than in the past, as 'death has been progressively evacuated from our societies.' Collective anxieties focus on security: 'The fear of being assaulted in public spaces is very present, particularly among young people and women.'
Other worries arise, such as the fear of not preserving lifestyles amid climate challenges, or war fears due to geopolitical tensions. As a result, 39% of French people believe the end of the world is near, reviving millenarian fears despite economic and technological progress.
Muxel notes that 'not only does politics no longer regulate fears, but it instills fear.' In past societies, institutions framed these emotions; today, they are less regulated, with profound political impacts.
