"Associational Life in Contemporary France" refers to freedom of association and the right to assemble, which was finally won in 1901 in Waldeck-Rousseau de 1901 legislation. Under the Empire, the French had been prohibited from gatherings of more than 20 people. Once they obtained legislation protecting their right to assemble, trade unionism quickly developed and thrived with four principal factions: anarcho-syndicalism, revolutionary Marxism, reformism, and Catholic corporatism. The first three joined forces and became the Confederation Ge'ne'rale du Travail (CGT). Waldeck-Rousseau de 1901 remains central to associational life in France.

             Burgeoning trade unions, linked to political parties, and social movements have brought with them ideological conflict, but are key to expressing political interests. When the State structures political policy, political protest is often spontaneous and uncontrolled. Confrontations occur in the street. Actually, the relationship between the State and economic interest groups is inter-related. Interest groups can access the state through the use of councils, commissions and committees, which represent industrial, commercial, agricultural, social, and environmental interests. These groups do not have decisional power, but they are able to review relevant domestic legislation and report to the government. The government can request their advice on proposed legislation as well.

             Labor tribunals handle disputes and arbitrations in labor relations, including conflicts over wages, bonuses, lay-offs and holidays. The tribunals, whose members are elected, are the backbone of enforcement of laws in the workplace in France. Control alternates between employers and workers in each section of the tribunal. Voter turn-out in electing the tribunals has declined since 1979. .

             Many French associations are subsidized by the state. More French people participate in sports associations than any other kind.