Reflective Journals
Week 1
Week 2
This week we will “locate” contemporary Switzerland within the broader context of Europe. We will consider some of the common ways in which Europe has been conceived of in the past as well as in the present—for example as a geographical space; as a territory with a common Christian heritage; and as a zone which has participated in the Enlightenment and processes of secularization and modernization. The lecture will also contemplate some of the blind spots inherent in those conceptualizations of the idea(s) of Europe.
150words:
Europe is believed to be more an idea than a place. Bhambra, G (2009) recognised how Europe has been conceived in the past and in the present, and has reviewed its collective identity (pg. 70). Europe Is identified as a world historical site of cultural political and economic legacy. In our lecture we spoke on Europe and how it has progressively become more enlightened and modernised, in turn making it more secular and civilized overtime.
Europe becoming more diverse and cultural
Second reading
Switzerland and the ways Switzerland has been rapidly changing and progressing overtime through centuries.
Achievements of financial independence through trades and imports. Tsacheysky, V. (2014)
“Switzerland is known to be a leading country in Europe and the world in fields of political and economic standard of life.”
Week 3
Switzerland was always neutral during the war periods which has allowed for Switzerland to be rapidly changing and progressing overtime through centuries without interference. Achievements of financial independence and economic growth through trades and imports. Initially in the 13th century tourism become popular amongst Germans and Austrians because of the roads being connected to Swiss Cantons. Then this led to money being generated allowing for financial trading of materials included watches and clocks in the 16th century, chocolate in the 18th century and world banking in contemporary times. Tsacheysky, V. (2014) “Switzerland is known to be a leading country in Europe and the world in fields of political and economic standard of life.” Swiss Neutrality dictates that if there is a religious disagreement, or war amongst other European countries, it should always remain neutral and avoid political conflicts.
The early history of Switzerland was often Characterised by conflict and even violence. Social classes, contonal vs federal, liberal vs catholic, urban area vs villages. Conflict was resolved leading to a positive change, when the war broke out in Switzerland during the 1800s. The ‘Sonderbund’ was a special alliance which was formed to protect Switzerland from becoming a federalised state from previously being a confederation. They formed a coalition and a civil war began. The Sonderbund was defeated and Switzerland is now the federal government works to encourage economic equality across the country, and accommodates a diversity of opinion. According to our lecture it also allowed for Switzerland to add 9 new cantons and recognise Switzerland boundaries. According to Fahrni, D. (2003) it allowed Switzerland to become more liberalised with social and economic reforms were provided for the common good. Switzerland as a Willensantion formed simply by a collective act of political and cultural will.
Week 4
Switzerland consists of five different dialects including French, German, Latin, Swiss, and Italian.
Due to Switzerland’s Hierarchy of languages, it should be in individuals that live there’s public interest to speak Swiss. There are inequalities in languages and having as many dialects as Stepkowska, A. (2013) states that language is sensitive not only to social forces but also to political and ideological factors. As this creates two conflicting ideologies of languages and either with identity or territory. Though in Switzerland the linguistic landscape; the interference of language cannot disrupt the public interest. Where it is controlled by unity amongst the citizens of Switzerland.
In the lecture, Switzerland is a multilingual country, therefore the importance of speaking another language besides English is significant in being recognised for higher education and applying for work. It is even categories as a C permit which means individuals are free to work in any profession. If citizens do not have a language certificate, they will be downgraded to a B permit with restricted work only.
There are other languages within the country such as Romansh, which only holds forty thousand people which is minuet compared to the 8.6 million people that in Switzerland. The discussion in our tutorials on whether Romansh should be preserved was quite interesting, however because of its not a worldly language I believe it could be taught in school.
English is another topic of interest in Switzerland and whether it should be a priority to learn. This is subject to heated internal debate. The recognition that English should be taught rather than French is a continued argument and challenge Switzerland faces. Dingwall, M (2001) stated that English in Switzerland “strikes at the heart of Swiss national Identity”. Furthermore, Switzerland will always be a multilingual country, however the prioritisation of languages should be considered.
Referencing:
Agnieszka Stepkowska (2013). Multilingualism and English : The Canton of Zurich as a linguistic paradigm. Peter Lang GmbH, Internationaler Verlag der Wissenschaften, pg.1- 411
Demont-Heinrich, C. (2005). Language and National Identity in the Era of Globalization: The Case of English in Switzerland. Journal of Communication Inquiry, 29(1), pg. 66–84. https://doi.org/10.1177/0196859904270001
Week 5
To what extent do you think Switzerland’s behaviour during and also after World War II can be seen as compromising its famous “neutrality”? Reflect on the various possible connotations of the term neutrality eg. as an active vs. a passive position.
Switzerland’s behaviour during World War II is compromising to its famous “neutrality” as it had an active position in supporting the German Nazis during this time with playing an extremely important role in the banking system. It is believed that $700 million worth of looted gold was stolen and hidden by the country, with conflicts still existing in contemporary society, which Jewish people attempting to claim what is rightfully theirs.
Switzerland’s neutrality generated upheaval with international countries involved in World War II, such as the United States and Great Britain, according to Tsachevsky, V. (2014) International Isolation of Switzerland occurred for providing financial resources. The attitude of Swiss people to have a collective memory of Amnesia and silent mourning showed their nationalistic values, to avoid accountability. According to Leitez, C. (2000) the Swiss had “warning signs to make them feel apprehensive about the intensions of Hilter,” (pg.13) proving to disdain for neutrality.
Although Switzerland has been neutral on its own soil, and has never fought on its own soil besides the “Sonderbund”, their choice to interact with the Nazi Party altered their stance on being Neutral. Switzerland’s behaviour and attitudes were justified due to their position in the war, however in relation to contemporary eras, The Swiss Federation should return funds, and make the banking system more accessible to the rightful owners. Switzerland’s Neutrality is still being question even now, as they questioned and condemned the Russian attack on Ukraine. Its mediating role may be forced to contribute in the future.
Referencing:
Christian, Leitez. (2000). Nazi Germany and neutral Europe during the second world war. Manchester: Manchester University Press (pg. 10-48)
Schaufelberger (illustration), P. (n.d.). How neutral is Switzerland, really? SWI Swissinfo.ch. https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/focus-page-foreign-policy_how-neutral-is-switzerland–really-/45810276
Venelin Tsachevsky (2014). The Swiss Model – The Power of Democracy. Peter Lang GmbH, Internationaler Verlag der Wissenschaften, pg. 1.408
Week 6:
Switzerland’s Democratic Systems
What do you think are the main strengths and weaknesses of ‘direct democracy’ in Switzerland?
Direct democracy is a form of government in which citizens participate in the affairs of the state. All the citizens participate in making laws and executing them. According to M. Butler (2000) Switzerland lives in the middle of a permanent voting campaign, which can be very time consuming for citizens as its conducted about four times a year, every year. A positive in this is that since constitutional law cannot be altered by state legislatures it gives people automatic superiority and sovereignty over representative governments. Examples of direct democracy was with the banning of minarets in July 2008, where 57.5% of voters approved the constitutional amendment and only four cantons opposed it, which have the largest Muslim community of Switzerland. Direct Democracy can be beneficial to the citizens of Switzerland; however, globalisation and internationalisation are ever changing and their way of democracy is not optimal for managing rapid change as the system is extremely traditional.
Week 7:
150words
What do you consider to be THE main reason (out of all the possible reasons) for Switzerland’s reluctance to join the EU? Explain the reasons for your choice. Although the EU itself has changed considerably in the last 25 years, do you think Switzerland’s position with regard to the EU has changed at all?
Week 8:
150words
Why do you think Switzerland lags so far behind its European neighbours in terms of women’s rights and gender equality?
Week 9:
150words
In light of the readings, do you think Switzerland’s attitude to Moslems and asylum seekers is problematic with regard to the basic principles of human rights? Which decisions and policies do you consider reasonable and which do you think are too harsh? Give reasons for your opinion.
Week 10:
150 words
With reference to this week’s reading, what do you consider to be some of the most significant ‘myths’ in relation to Swiss national identity? Reflect on the relationship between myth and history in contemporary Swiss society.
Week 11:
150 words
Reflect on the main challenges associated with the notion of a national Swiss film industry within a multi-lingual country. What do you consider to be the most compelling arguments for ensuring the survival of the Swiss film industry?