Social Dynamics in Swiss Society
Social Dynamics in Swiss Society
By: Jennifer Fitzgerald, Christopher Jorde
Abstract: In this chapter we examine individual-level shifts in attitudes toward immigrants, government spending and the environment over sixteen years in Switzerland. We approach this inquiry with an eye toward the role of political parties in shaping people’s views on politically salient topics. We identify a great deal of year-to-year change in people’s views on these three issues, though they have stabilized significantly in recent years. We also find that individuals’ partisan leanings shape their stances on key issues over time and that this effect is strongest for young people’s views on immigration. This chapter contributes to our understanding of change and stability in Swiss politics and also adds to what we know about attitude development among democratic citizens.