Racism and integration

The figures below provide detailed information about the population’s opinions on the effectiveness of Swiss policy on the fight against racial discrimination and on integration. They give an indication as to who should increase or reduce their investment in the management of the ethnic and social diversity.

The population has quite a favourable opinion of the process of migrant integration in Switzerland, whereas the question of racism is considered to be a serious social problem.

With regard to the integration of migrants, 55% of the population said that this was proceeding well. In contrast, 43% said it was proceeding badly. For more than a third of the population, the subject of racism is not an issue. 59% do, however, see a major social problem.

Methodological aspects

Assessment of the process of migrant integration and racism as a social problem, in Switzerland, by the population.

Reference to questionnaire

Questions

1) Do you think that the integration of migrants in Swiss society is proceeding well or badly?

2) In Switzerland, do you think that racism is currently a serious problem or not?

Possible answers

1) 1. very well, 2. quite well, 3. quite badly, very  badly, 9. no answer. Consideration of all possible answers. Grouping  together of possible answers: 1-2 = proceeding well.

2) 1. very serious, 2. quite serious, 3. not very  serious, 4. not serious at all, 9. no answer. Consideration of all  possible answers. Grouping together of answers: 1-2 = a serious problem.

An assessment of the effectiveness of the measures taken in Switzerland to integrate migrants and to fight against racial discrimination is presented.

With regard to migrant integration, 55% of the population said that the steps taken were in line with needs, 16% think that too much is being done and 26% not enough. With regard to the fight against racism, 59% think that the steps taken are adequate, 7% that too much is done and 31% not enough.

Methodological aspects

Proportion of the population that thinks the steps taken are just right, too little or too much with regard to the integration of migrants and to combat racism in Switzerland.

Reference to questionnaire

Questions

1) Do you think that too much, just the right amount or too little is done to integrate migrants in Switzerland?

2) Do you think that too much, just the right amount or too little is done to fight racism in Switzerland?

Possible answers

1) 1. too much, 2. just the right amount, 3. too little, 9. no answer. Consideration of all possible answers.

2) 1. too much, 2. just the right amount, 3. too little, 9. no answer Consideration of all possible answers.

With regard to both migrant integration and the combat against racism, the population has a clear opinion as to who should be in charge of taking the necessary steps.

Of all the people dissatisfied with the situation in terms of the integration of migrants, 45% consider that measures should be taken by the State. 17% think that it is the responsibility of each individual and 12% of associations or NGOs. 11% consider that it is up to the foreigners themselves to make an effort towards integration.

Concerning the fight against racism, 29% said that steps should be taken by the Confederation, the cantons or the communes and 24% by each individual. 19% consider that measures should be taken by the political parties or politicians and 15% by schools or teachers.

Ranking of key players

Rank	Overall ranking	Migrant integration	Fight against racism
Top 5
1	State	State	State
2	citizens	citizens	citizens
3	politics	associations, NGOs	politics
4	schools	foreigners	schools
5	associations, NGOs	politics	associations, NGOs
Top 10
6	foreigners	social security	media
7	economic circles	schools	legislative power
8	social security	economic circles	churches
9	legislative power	legislative power	foreigners
10	media	other players	economic circles

For both of these issues, the State remains the institution mentioned most often. Individual responsibility and the role of citizens are the second factor most often mentioned. Although politicians are considered to be key players in the fight against racism, they are considered less important for integration where the role of associations or NGOs comes to the forefront.

Methodological aspects

Percentage of the population that thinks a particular player should take measures, by issue (integration or racism). Based on a multiple choice question: respondents were able to name several players.

Reference to questionnaire

Questions

1) In your opinion, who should do less for the integration of migrants in Switzerland?

2) In your opinion, who should do more for the integration of migrants in Switzerland?

3) In your opinion, who should do less to fight racism?

4) In your opinion, who should do more to fight racism?

Possible answers

To all questions above: Open-ended questions (CAWI/CATI), coded according to a common code book.

Information on data

Sub-universe

Permanent resident population aged 15 to 88 who think that measures should be taken or that too much or too little is done to integrate migrants and to fight racism.

Non-weighted numbers
n (integration)	1312
n (racism)	1172

Further information

Tables

Sources

Source: Survey on diversity and coexistence in Switzerland (VeS-2018)

Universe: Permanent resident population aged 15 to 88                           Non-weighted numbers: n (total) = 3127