The Influence of Culture and of Institutional Factors in Social Policy: French Social Policy in Martinique

Abstract

The standards and structure of social policy in Martinique are now very similar to those in France. However, in spite of its funding by France, welfare remains problematic. Although the staff are local, the structure and concepts are French, which technically makes policy implementation difficult, and creates uneasiness. The implementation of French welfare in Martinique runs counter to the local politics of identity and the drive for autonomy. Welfare focuses the chief ambiguity of Martinique, which craves for local control, but would like to maintain the current level of funding from Europe.