Determinant factors of multiculturalism in Switzerland
Journal Title: Przegląd Narodowościowy - Review of Nationalities - Year 2018, Vol 8, Issue
Abstract
Switzerland consists of different regions, cultures and languages. #e minorities in Switzerland are in the first place ethno-linguistic minorities, whose are unified by a common language. #erefore, since the foundation of the Confederation in 1848 the Helvetic state has been considered a multilingual country. #e confederation and cantons are obliged to protect linguistic minorities. #e grounds of the Swiss social structure, with traditional multiculturalism and four national languages are two principles: language freedom (Sprachenfreiheit) and territoriality (Territorialitätsprinzip). Switzerland has no official state religion. Predominant religion is Christianity, the largest religious minorities is established by Islam. #e largest Christian denominations are Catholic Church (37.7%) and Swiss Reformed Church (25.5%). #e influx of new cultural minorities to Switzerland began aXer the Second World War and was directly connected with economic migration, with the large influx of gastarbeiters from southern European countries and refugees from the #ird World and from the former Yugoslavia. International law includes the protection of national, yet not cultural minorities. In Switzerland the protection of national minorities is also based on international standards. #e necessity for systematic integration policy in Switzerland appeared in the nineties of the twentieth century, aXer removing the antiimmigration tendencies and hostile attitude towards foreigners. #ere is a conflict of interest between democracy and state under the rule of law, and between majoritarian democratic politics and liberal principles. #e conflict can be controlled; however it can not be resolved. #e principle of the Swiss “unity in multiplicity” is best reflected in the multiculturalism and multilingualism of Switzerland, but also a relatively high percentage of the foreigners.
Authors and Affiliations
Mirosław Matyja
Keywords
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- EP ID EP446356
- DOI 10.2478/pn-2018-0005
- Views 73
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