Some 13.5% of France‘s population experienced material and social deprivation – classed as lacking access to a combination of basic goods, services, or living conditions considered necessary for an acceptable standard of living – in 2025, according to Insee, the French statistics office.
The proportion of French citizens facing material and social deprivation rose sharply at the start of 2022, a period of high inflation, and has remained at a high level for the past four years.
Unemployed people are the most affected category, with 35% experiencing deprivation in 2025
However, at the same time, the ‘share of employed people experiencing deprivation has increased since the start of 2020, regardless of whether they were blue-collar workers, white-collar workers, intermediate‑level professionals, or executives,’ Insee noted.
Household composition
Household composition is also associated with differing levels of deprivation. Around 30% of people living in single-parent families are affected. This figure stands at 20% for those living in couples with three or more children. Both levels are higher than those observed before the COVID-19 crisis.
The study also highlights disparities in access to durable goods and services. While relatively few people report being unable to afford a car, access to vehicles is unevenly distributed, with higher-income households significantly more likely to own or use one compared with lower-income groups.
Beyond material conditions, the report identifies differences in subjective well-being. People experiencing material and social deprivation report lower levels of life satisfaction and a lower level of trust in others compared with those not affected, Insee noted. Read more here.
