The survey, which questions some 35,000 19-year-olds around the country every four years, aims to gain an “empiric and interdisciplinary insight” into the “educational biographies, living conditions and social and political orientations” of young Swiss adults.
Around 30% of young adults in Switzerland have faced financial difficulties at least once in their lives. The share is significantly lower in German-speaking Switzerland than in French-speaking Switzerland. In addition, young Swiss who do not continue their education after it is no longer obligatory are more likely to face financial problems than those with a vocational or all-round education. Financial difficulties are also more likely to develop into depression than in 2010/11.
Political orientation
The 2014/15 survey shows an end to the trend towards political polarisation benefitting the political right. The political centre has become the most important force among young adults in Switzerland. Both YASS’s 2010/11 and 2014/15 results illustrate that young people with an immigrant background are more likely to be on the political left than their peers without an immigrant background. Leftwing positions are held in particular – although to a lesser extent than previously – by young adults without an education or with an all-round education; rightwing views are found above all among young adults with a vocational education.
Health literacy
Young adults’ ability to find and understand good health information has slightly improved since 2010/11. For example, the proportion of those who struggle to distinguish good from bad internet sources on health issues has fallen slightly. In addition, significantly more young adults reported in 2014/15 that medical leaflets are easy or very easy to understand. As in 2010/11, young women assess their health literacy significantly higher than young men. It is also clear that both education and family background play an important role in the development of these skills around health.
More
More
How to save money in Switzerland
This content was published on
There’s no denying that Switzerland is pricey, but there are bargains to be had. We’ve crowdsourced some tips from our Facebook community.
This content was published on
The wage gap between married mothers and fathers in Switzerland is significantly worse than that between single woman and men.
This content was published on
The new "Swiss Football Home" football campus is being built in Thun. The centre, based on an international model, will include pitches for the senior national teams and the headquarters of the Swiss Football Association.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
Opinion
More
It’s time to let 16- and 17-year-olds vote
This content was published on
Youth should be allowed access to the ballot box to make their voices heard on issues like climate change, argues a children's rights lawyer.
This content was published on
The 2019 JAMESfocus reportExternal link by the Zurich University of Applied Sciences and Swisscom found that two-thirds of 12- to 19-year-olds in Switzerland said they were interested in global current affairs. Some 57% believed it was important to keep up-to-date with the news, but they do so via Facebook or Instagram rather than traditional media…
Study examines youth immigrant integration in Switzerland
This content was published on
The integration of teenagers with immigration background into Swiss society also depends on the country of origin of their parents, a poll finds.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.