On the social situation of the farming population in Switzerland

As part of a social report, this paper traces the social situation of farmers in Switzerland in comparison with other occupational groups on the basis of the European Social Survey (ESS). With the social situation – which encompasses the quality of life and life opportunities of population groups – various factors such as job, income, unemployment, values, and integration in society are taken into account. The reference occupational group with which farmers are compared is critical for the interpretation of the results. In the assessment of their economic situation, the farming population differs little from other occupational groups; in terms of their subjectively perceived integration into society, the farming population does not fall behind other occupational groups. As far as values are concerned, depending on the reference, the farming population turns out to be less universalistic, less traditional, and more success-oriented.