Care Work
Household and Family Work: Key Questions and Answers
Those who look after children, cook meals, or clean the house are providing care work—most often without pay. Should such work be compensated with tax money in the future? This would be neither practical nor financially sustainable. Targeted support measures and sound framework conditions make far more sense, argue Patricia Schafer and Thomas Jampen. In a Q&A, they examine the six most frequently asked questions about care work. |
The Figure
Should household and family work, such as cleaning, cooking, laundry, or childcare, be compensated by the state? According to the Federal Statistical Office, the value of these activities amounts to 434 billion francs per year. Financing at this scale would almost triple current government spending and, consequently, the tax and contribution burden – not to mention the additional bureaucratic effort required for oversight. |
Federal Finances
Does the Austerity Package Put Switzerland’s Research and Innovation Hub at Risk?
The federal government plans to cut spending on universities and national research funding agencies. This has quickly sparked criticism that the reductions could jeopardize research and innovation in Switzerland. A closer look at the facts, however, shows that the proposed measures are far less drastic than many fear. You can read why this is the case in the new article by Lukas Schmid and Noa Reggiani. |
Freedom Index
Aargau Comes Out on Top—and Extends Its Lead
Nowhere else in Switzerland is life as free as in the canton of Aargau. This is shown by the latest edition of our Freedom Index, which compares a wide range of economic and social freedom indicators at the cantonal level. Appenzell Ausserrhoden and Schwyz rank second and third. Find out how your canton performed here—including an interactive Excel file for your own analysis. |
Essential
Agricultural Policy Costs Billions—but Falls Short of Its Goals
Switzerland maintains an agricultural policy that consumes billions of francs while barely achieving its core constitutional objectives. Farmers and the public deserve better: less border protection, clearer goals, and a fundamental overhaul of how the system is financed. In their Essential, Michele Salvi and Philippe Güttinger offer concrete recommendations for a better agricultural policy. |
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