Study examines youth immigrant integration in Switzerland
The controversial 'double eagle' gesture by some members of the Swiss national football team gave the researchers the idea for a study into immigration integration.
Keystone
The integration of teenagers with immigration background into Swiss society appears to depend to a large extent on the country of origin of their parents, according to a poll.
This content was published on
2 minutes
swissinfo.ch/ug
Русский
ru
От чего зависит интеграция молодых мигрантов в Швейцарии?
Youths from neighbouring Germany and Austria ranked top in the integration survey which was conducted by the college of applied sciences in Zurich and the Fribourg school of social work.
Observers say this was to be expected as more than 60% of the Swiss population speak a form of German dialect.
Teenagers from Kosovo and the Republic of Macedonia in south-eastern Europe are bottom of the table. Youths with roots in North Africa or Arab countries were also low in the ranking.
The poll among more than 8,300 people aged 17 or 18 found that the length of time spent in Switzerland helps integration in general.
Delinquency
However, lack of integration does not pose an increased risk for delinquency, the researchers found.
While youths with immigration background tend to be more disposed to use violence, offences, including theft or cannabis consumption, appears to be more widespread among teenagers with Swiss roots, say the authors of the study.
Critics of the survey argue the report is based on three criteria only – friendship with a Swiss person, identification with Switzerland and education.
The lead author of the report, Dirk Baier, acknowledges that the method is relatively basic, according to the SonntagsZeitung and Le Matin Dimanche newspapers.
He also admits there is a risk that the results of the study could be used for political ends.
More
More
The key to integration? Feeling welcome
This content was published on
Every year, about 30,000 foreign nationals make canton Zurich their new home. For the cantonal authorities it’s important to make foreigners who have recently relocated feel welcome. They also want to make sure the new arrivals are aware of local customs. Zurich’s Cantonal Integration Office advises municipalities to meet the newcomers in person. To find…
Swiss central banker wants to boost equity to head off risks
This content was published on
Equity levels at the Swiss National Bank (SNB) are much too low for the risks its large balance sheet poses, according to Martin Schlegel.
Beer sales in Switzerland watered down by bad weather
This content was published on
The past brewing year fell through in Switzerland, partly due to the bad weather. Beer sales shrank again. For the first time, per capita consumption fell below the 50 liter mark.
Compensation for Syrian after pregnant wife denied help on Swiss train
This content was published on
Switzerland’s Federal Court has partially upheld the appeal of a Syrian family being deported from Switzerland to Italy in 2014. The man now also receives compensation.
Swiss-EU negotiations: Cassis to meet Sefcovic in Bern
This content was published on
Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis will meet the Vice-President of the EU Commission, Maros Sefcovic, in Bern on Wednesday.
Foreign workers integrate quickly and earn more than locals
This content was published on
Foreign workers integrate quickly and successfully into the Swiss labour market, earning more than Swiss on average after five years, according to a study.
Immigrant students in Switzerland more motivated, less integrated
This content was published on
A new report shows that immigrant teens in Swiss schools perform well, are satisfied with life, and are more motivated than their native classmates.
Renewal of Swiss residence permits depends on integration
This content was published on
The seven-member executive body adopted the new regulations on Wednesday as part of the revision of the Act on Foreign Nationals. The new rules will enter into force in 2019. + How to obtain a work permit in Switzerland Various permits may be renewed directly if it appears that a foreigner’s integration into Swiss society is…
Refugees and locals learn to live together in Swiss town
This content was published on
Bex was one of the first towns in the region to have an asylum seekers' centre and its foreign population is relatively high. So do people get along?
What inhibits the political integration of foreigners in Switzerland?
This content was published on
There are few opportunities for non-naturalised immigrants to participate politically. In one case where they can, the results are disappointing.
Foreigner voting rights: broad variety of opinions
This content was published on
What do swissinfo.ch readers make of the idea of granting foreigners in Switzerland the right to take part in votes and elections?
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.