Strong State and Symbolic Reform: The Ministere des Droits de la Femme in France

Abstract

A number of ministries in the French government have contributed to policy setting in the women's rights area, with administrative mechanisms backing them up since 1978. These offices have been highly politicized & marginalized, & their record of effectiveness is mixed. It is argued that the limited effectiveness is due to the absence of strong societal support for agencies specializing in women. To illustrate, the evolution of the Ministry of the Rights of Women (MDF) 1981-1986 is described. The MDF was established in 1981 under the feminist politics of the governing party, not becaue of societal demands. It was oriented toward employment, professinal training, information, & legislation, though the legislation it promoted had little long-lasting impact. Since the influence of these specific offices has been constrained, the reforms in women's rights generated through their efforts have been symbolic rather than material. M. Pflum