The Communists Back Down
International Journal of Humanities and Social Science Vol. 6, No. 12; December 2016 One Step Closer to a Leninist Revolution in France in 1968: The Communists Back Down Yutaka Okuyama, Ph.D. Crimson Academy of Languages 92-134, Omachi 2-14, Asahikawa Hokkaido, Japan Abstract: This study observes French communist actions in relation to the social movement of 1968, especially how the communists defined their behavioral principle in order to satisfy a variety of components as well as to increase their party support. Sticking with their own tradition is the fundamental behavioral mechanism of political groups. However, a favorable outcome does not necessarily result from retaining traditional values. Thus, groups try to incorporate some new elements to encourage more flexible behavior. As a result, a conflict between tradition and innovation arises. French communist behavior in the May Movement in 1968 is a showcase for us to observe how difficult it is for an established group to absorb different perspectives and values in order to become a new entity. By the mid-1990s, through further mutations, the PCF, once enjoyed a quarter of votes in the 1950s and 60s, had virtually lost political significance in the French politics. Key words: French Communist Party, May Movement, Party Behavior, Party Support Introduction: Traditional values define who we are and restrain our behavior. Without consulting our past experiences, we can find a way out neither to move forward nor to change direction. In that sense, we can be called, “prisoners of the past.” Most social gatherings, including family ceremonies, alumni parties or community events, are meant to remind us of our own social position through shared experiences.
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