Des mutilés de guerre introuvables ? Ignorances administratives, statistiques et patronales dans l’application de la loi sur l’emploi obligatoire (France, 1915–années 1930)

Abstract

In 1924, the law on “compulsory employment of disabled soldiers” was passed in France, which forced companies with more than 10 employees to employ at least 10% of WW1 disabled veterans. This law is discussed since 1916 and will not be applied until 1928. It gives rise to many oppositions, particularly from employers. They estimate that 10% is a too high rate, which does not correspond to the real employment needs of war disabled. The aim of this article is to show how statistical ignorance plays a fundamental role in the opposition to the compulsory employment of war cripples. It is based on the incapacity of public authorities to evaluate the number of unemployed disabled veternans. Thus, the rate of 10% is considered arbitrary. Ignorance is not only a weakness for the application of a voluntarist public policy but it is also an argument used by opponents of this law.