Timeline

In the 19^th century, industrialisation, urban growth and increase in population brought about new forms of poverty and social plight. These were considered particularly severe by contemporary observers. The ‘social question’ increasingly dominated socio-political discourse at the time. 

By the end of the 19^th century, there was intense public debate about the introduction of public social insurance. The plans were ambitious, but faced political opposition. Thus, the social security system remained fragmented and strongly characterized by private solutions until the Second World War.

The Swiss welfare state remained weak and fragmented until the Second World War. A phase of gradual improvement began only with the introduction of the AHV in 1948. Despite new social insurance provision, benefits continued to pale in comparison with schemes in other countries for a long time.

Strategy debates and political deadlock, austerity measures and moderate expansion – the development of social security became increasingly controversial during the 1990s. Yet, despite growing criticism, major breakthroughs did occur: including mandatory health insurance, maternity benefits or the harmonization of family allowances. At the same time, a number of sites remain under construction: the long-term guarantee of  old-age provision, better compatibility between family and work, and answers to the ‘new poverty’.