Gender Equality in Context: Policies and Practices in Switzerland

Abstract

Gender Equality has not yet been achieved in many western countries. Switzerland in particular has failed as a forerunner in integrating women in politics and economy. Taking Switzerland as a case study, the authors critically reflect the state of gender equality in different policy areas such as education, family and labour. The collection of articles reveals how gender policies and cultural contexts interact with social practices of gender (in)equality. They also outline the gender(ed) effects of recent changes and reform strategies for scientists, politicians and practitioners. Despite considerable successes at the legal and societal level, equality between women and men has not yet been achieved in many western countries. This is true also for Switzerland, where gender equality issues increasingly are being highlighted. This book critically reflects the state of gender equality in Switzerland by focusing on key areas of gender policy such as education, labour, and the private sphere, especially in the context of economic and social change. The articles are based on multi-disciplinary perspectives as well as innovative methods in studying gender (in)equality. All chapters refer to the National Research Program 60 on 'Gender Equality' (2010-2014) launched by the Swiss National Science Foundation which aimed at generating knowledge on the complex conditions for gender equality in Switzerland. The chapters of this book highlight the 'evidence' and impact of current gender equality policies and objectives. The authors investigate the gender-relevant implications of important policy areas, some of which are still rarely discussed, such as social investment, tax or working time policies. They discuss interdependencies between gender and other categories of social difference, e.g. social class, and also illustrate the meaning of these intersections with respect to the outcomes and limitations of public policies. Further, the articles are dedicated to the analyses of the complex reasons for persisting gender inequalities in the world of work, care and education by looking especially at the interfaces and the transitions between those social fields. The book provides nuanced insight into how gender policies and cultural contexts interact with social practices of gender (in)equality and reflects the media and public reception of scientific studies on gender inequality. It is directed to social and political scientists and yields important information on effective strategies and their relevance to gender equality for politicians and practitioners today.