Social thought and sociological theory have produced, from the 18th century onwards, important reflections on the interrelated processes of individualisation and social integration. Those reflections provide a good point of departure to approach the issue of precariousness. This issue must be framed within the broader disruption of social links, and one must point out its effects on personal security, freedom and identity. We should also draw appropriate orientations for the institutional and professional practices. The most general of such orientations suggests that the multiplication of precarious forms must be combated by means of the reinforcement of social links, which does not mean to annul individual autonomy