Core Concepts and Terms

Various terms are used to denominate modern social policy systems. Among the Swiss public sphere, the term ‘social insurance’ has been dominant since the 19th century. In comparison, alternative designations such as ‘social state’, ‘welfare state’ or ‘social security’ are used more rarely or only among experts.

Systems of social security are legitimized by various ideas; these ideas also determine the organizational forms adopted. Reciprocity, subsidiarity and solidarity are three of these ideas.