Abstract
This article considers a number of recent trends and argues that, rather than remaining unchallenged, the supremacy of the neo‐liberal model has given renewed dynamism to the critique of economic ideology and has revitalised the humanist approach. The dominance of both economic rationality and economics as academic discipline is questioned radically. These critiques converge upon a reassessment of the foundations of French democracy and of the Welfare State in order to promote social cohesion. The works informing this study offer an alternative to the prevailing economic paradigm.