Intangible and Interpersonal Services: Toward New Political Economy Tools. The French Case

Abstract

The article stresses the place of ‘intangible and interpersonal’ services in French growth and employment. Major obstacles prevent the development of this class of'activities, based on the existence of a ‘service relationship’: the fact that supply and demand are not built separately, the need to assess and professionalise supply, and the adjustment o f working hours. Therefore, new tools in economics policies have to be experimented with. Industrial sectors are also increasingly being affected by the role of the service relationship. This highlights the importance of a new work pattern.