Must we work harder?

摘要

Inspired by the wartime programme of the National Resistance Council, the French welfare state was designed to "free workers from the uncertainty of tomorrow" by giving them publicly financed insurance against illness, joblessness, maternity, invalidity and old age. Over the past 60 years, France's vast social-security system has nearly tripled in size. Public social spending now accounts for 32% of gdp, more than in any other member of the oecd club of rich countries (see chart).