The Federal Commission against Racism presented a study on Monday noting that social normality is portrayed in rather homogenous and white in schoolbooks. It says racism is a subject that should be part of the school curriculum.
The debate on racism has intensified in recent years. School textbooks have adapted to some extent. There is a growing sensitivity, for example, to problematic terms such as “Indian” or “Eskimo” –no longer considered politically correct in reference to the indigenous populations of the United States and Canada. The notion of a “colonial” Switzerland is now addressed in some educational books, according to the study which looked at how Swiss school textbooks deal with racism and the representation of social diversity.
But this is not enough, says the commission. The subject of racism does not feature in either the French-language Plan d’études or its German-language counterpart (Lehrplan 21). Textbooks do not offer an exhaustive definition of racism. It is presented only from a historical perspective or as an interpersonal phenomenon. The structural dimension of racism, which contributes to the hierarchisation and categorisation of individuals, is also missing.
Limited diversity
The analysis also shows that the textbooks offer few avenues for critical reflection on racism, and only occasionally represent a plural society resulting from migration. The societal norm is generally presented as white. Diversity is confined to pages explicitly dedicated to this theme.
Overall, the representation of diversity is more marked for Switzerland and Europe than for more distant territories. The latter are often presented in a stereotypical way, with culturally homogeneous communities. The Inuit, for example, are presented in their traditional dimension, without individual portraits of modern Inuit who would offer a more nuanced vision.
Teachers are finding that books are inadequate and that their training is lacking in this area, according to the same source. The commission therefore recommends that the subject of racism be included in curricula and to reinforce teachers’ skills.
Popular Stories
More
Banking & Fintech
Explainer: how stock market plunges impact Switzerland
First trains pass through repaired Gotthard Base Tunnel
This content was published on
Trains have successfully passed through the western tube of the Gotthard Base Tunnel in a trial. The rail tunnel was seriously damaged by a derailed freight train a year ago.
77th Locarno Film Festival attracted 152,000 movie fans
This content was published on
Around 152,000 movie fans flocked to the 77th Locarno Film Festival that ended on Saturday - a 3.5% increase compared to last year.
SWISS passengers stranded in Kazakhstan flown to Zurich
This content was published on
Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS) has repatriated 331 passengers who were stranded in Kazakhstan after an incident at Astana airport on Saturday.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
Racism and discrimination remain issues for many Swiss
This content was published on
A majority of Swiss see racism as an important social issue, although the scale of the problem has remained relatively constant in the eyes of the population.
Expert group criticises systemic racism in Switzerland
This content was published on
Black people in Switzerland face everyday discrimination as well serious racial profiling by the police, a UN working group has found.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.