The Trajectories to Senior Civil Servants in France: Life Stories of "Non-Reproducing Elites"
Previous research indicates that elite formation in France heavily depends on the reproduction mechanisms derived from parental capital. However, there are cases of upward mobility that transcend this framework. In my doctoral research on graduates from prestigious grandes écoles, I encountered a few individuals who came from disadvantaged backgrounds. This raised the question: how did they overcome the challenges of entering these elite institutions without inherited capital?
Building on this inquiry, I am currently investigating social mobility among elites in various fields, focusing on this presentation specifically on senior civil servants. To become a senior civil servant in France, one must graduate from elite training schools for senior civil servants, such as ENA (now INSP) and INET, where most students tend to reproduce existing social hierarchies, often coming from privileged backgrounds. Understanding how non-reproducing elites navigate this narrow path is crucial for comprehending social mobility in France.
Through life story methodology, I conducted interviews to analyze their journeys to becoming senior civil servants. Findings revealed that a lack of pressure to succeed in exams, compared to peers from reproducing backgrounds, allowed them to remain relaxed during testing, contributing to their success. Additionally, surrounding support, fortuitous encounters, and gaining confidence in their qualifications to enter top institutions like ENA played significant roles in their mobility. Notably, their backgrounds influenced their unique perspectives and motivations in public administration.
Ultimately, this presentation aims to offer new insights into social mobility in France through the diverse, non-systematic episodes of these non-reproducing elites.