The morale of the French is at a low point. According to INSEE, its index has dropped by 8% since March, unheard of since its creation ... in 1972. "The opposite would be surprising at the moment ...", observes the sociologist and historian Michel Wieviorka, guest of Europe 1 Tuesday. In these times of confinement, "how could it be otherwise?" He asks.
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"I have received testimonies from people who said to themselves 'I'm going to take the opportunity to read, listen to music', and who ultimately are unable to do so," he said. For him, it is notably the uncertainty in which the French find themselves that undermines their morale. "It is very scary as a situation, nobody knows when or how it will end, if we find a drug, a vaccine ...", stresses Michel Wieviorka. Who adds: "This area of uncertainty is accentuated by the distrust that exists in France between civil society and political powers."
What about the future?
Throughout history, great crises, be they stock market crashes, armed conflicts or revolutions have often brought about profound changes in societies. And this time? "The government is doing what it can right now, but it is not very legitimate to say that everything will change," points out the historian, who said "to doubt" the capacity of the government itself to change. At least in the next few weeks or months.
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In the long term, who knows ... "In the short term, we will face in particular great economic difficulties. It is another change to think what the world will be in 10, 20 or 50 years ... There, yes, we can imagine great changes! "