Any kind of participation in or membership of associations or groups shows that a person is actively contributing to the organisation of their life and as a consequence is an expression of social integration.
Relevance/Result
Trends over time
Major region
In 2018, 46% of the resident population actively participated in associations, societies, clubs, political parties or other groups. People without a migration background are significantly more actively involved than those with a migration background (54% compared with 32% for the first generation and 35% for the second or subsequent generations). The difference between the generations is not significant, however. Passive participation in an association or group is less frequent (13%) and varies little by migration status.
Between 2014 and 2018, the share of people actively participating in an association or group has significantly increased in the population without a migration background (+2.5 percentage points). Since 2015, the population without a migration background and the first generation are significantly less passively involved (respectively -5.4 and -4.3 percentage points).
In each major region where the distinction according to migratory status is possible, the population with a migration background is observed to take part less actively in associations or groups than the population without a migration background. The largest relative differences between migration statuses with regard to active participation are seen in Espace Mittelland and in Eastern Switzerland. In these regions, the population with a migration background shows rates that are 2 times lower than the population without a migration background. Espace Mittelland is the only major region where the population without a migration background is significantly more passively involved in an association or a group than the population with a migration background.
Definitions
The definition of this indicator on participation in an association or group includes voluntary activities (also if the person does not belong to a group or organisation) as well as religious activities and involvement in associations, societies, clubs, other groups and political parties.
The indicator on active participation is calculated on the basis of people who answered yes to the following question: “Have you taken part in the activities of an association, society, club, political party or other group over the past 12 months? “.
Voluntary activities: voluntary activities should be included even if the respondent does not belong to a group or organisation: e.g. cooking or shopping for people who need help, cleaning up beaches, etc.
Religious activities: include participation in religious holidays or ceremonies and voluntary work for religious groups.
Activities in associations, societies, clubs or other groups: holding a stand, distributing leaflets or participating in leisure activities, etc. These can be groups concerned with the environment, civil rights, neighbourhood issues, sport, hobbies, and leisure activities, etc.
Political party activities: demonstrations, petitions and letters to the media, etc.
Passive participation is calculated on the basis of people who answered yes to this question: "Are you nevertheless a supportive or passive member of associations, societies, clubs, political parties or other groups? ». This question was asked to all those who responded that they were not an active member of an association.
Methodologies
Following changes to the survey framework and improvements in the weighting model, results from 2014 on can no longer be directly compared with those from previous years (series break).
Contact
Federal Statistical Office Section Demography and MigrationEspace de l'Europe 10
CH-2010 Neuchâtel
Switzerland