Gesine Fuchs

(Un)changing Gender Relations, Family Dynamics, and Fertility in Switzerland from a Comparative Perspective

GenFam examines how demographic behaviour, gender relations, and family structures are evolving in Switzerland. It focuses on  the diversification of family forms, persistent inequalities in the division of paid and unpaid work, and sustained low and postponed fertility. The project comprises four substantial work packages, namely 1. on family diversification, family ties, and well-being; 2.on attitudes, education and gendered division of work; 3. on understanding low fertility and assisted reproduction in context, and finally 4. on the assessment of policy measures as Switzerland’s response to the identified challenges. More on the project here: https://wp.unil.ch/genfam/

I am proud and very happy to work on the fourth work package in a strong team with Isabelle Zinn, Christiane Meyer-Habighorst and Florentina Mender.

4. Assessing policy measures

Our work package examines the policy environment surrounding families, gender equality, and reproduction in Switzerland. Through systematic policy mapping, document analysis, and expert consultations, we investigate how policies at the national and cantonal levels respond to the societal developments and challenges identified in the other work packages. We analyse how political debates, problem definitions, and policy choices shape institutional responses, and assess where existing policies address emerging challenges effectively and where significant gaps persist. In doing so, we situate quantitative findings within broader socio-political debates and identify opportunities to strengthen and improve policy responses.