Summary of the review of
Marco Guigni and Pascal Sciarini
Polarisation and politicisation in Switzerland
The review by Marco Giugni and Pascal Sciarini* deals with two significant changes which are taking place in Swiss political life, namely polarisation and politicization, from a developmental and international comparative perspective. Starting with the realisation that there is a new kind of cleavage in the openness-closure dimension which places the ‘winners’ and ‘losers’ in globalization in opposition, various signs of growing polarisation can indeed be recognized within the population and the political elite. The most important consequences of this for the party system are discussed in this review (changes in the balance of power, nationalisation of the party landscape). The empirical findings with regard to politicisation are more differentiated. Although several current trends point to growing politicisation, for instance increased voting participation or the resurgence of social movements, others in contrast support the opposite tendency, for example the diminished commitment in various other forms of political activity. Finally, the review shows that the relationship between Swiss citizens and the political authorities is not affected by the above-mentioned changes, but in absolute terms and in the international comparison it remains relatively positive.* This review is included in the German and French editions of the Swiss Social Report 2008 only.
Update: FORS