Social issues

What a topsy-turvy world!

Responsibility for educational success shifted from adults to children

by Christine Staehelin*

(5 September 2025) The survey data from the check tests carried out in north-western Switzerland and other performance tests in Switzerland speak for themselves. The decline in performance in German is particularly noticeable at primary level, and there are significant differences in performance between children. Social background – however it is defined here – clearly plays a major role, even more so than mother tongue, as was previously assumed. However, the data does not reveal the causes.

The war propaganda is in full swing

Delusional – “Ready for war against Russia” (Part 3)

by Robert Seidel*

(29 August 2025) In February 2025, Europe officially set its course for “war” against Russia. Leading the way are EU politicians and the governments of Germany, France, the United Kingdom and the Baltic states. Now, a barrage of manipulation and propaganda is pouring out of official bodies, cross-financed NGOs and the mainstream media across almost the whole of Europe – very sharply in the Baltic states, Germany and the United Kingdom, sharply in Denmark and Sweden, more moderately in Switzerland and less strongly in Hungary.

Hunger that defeats language

by Husam Maarouf,* Gaza

(29 August 2025) (CH-S) “Starving the civilian population in Gaza will neither bring Israel the desired ‘complete victory’ over Hamas, nor can it be justified by Jewish values or humanitarian law.” This was stated by the Central Conference of American Rabbis on 27 July 2025.

The teaching profession in transition

The remarkable transformation of the former teaching profession into a job

by Alain Pichard*

(22 August 2025) (CH-S) The gradual change in the perception of the teaching profession is outlined using the example of an experienced teacher. Key aspects of the professional identity appear to have been lost during the “school development” of recent decades.

How war propaganda works

How to make a democracy “ready for war” (part 2)

by Robert Seidel*

(8 August 2025) In politics, there is a common tactic for avoiding objective debate: labelling your opponent as “strange” or even “inhuman”. This allows you to impose things on them without having to address the issue itself. However, to justify wars, more devious techniques are implemented. Otherwise, hardly anyone would carry out the barbaric acts of war that are expected from them. Certainly not if you end up getting hurt yourself, or perhaps your wife, son, daughter ...

A turning point in inclusion: “One size does not fit all”

Separate measures can be useful

by Michael Felten*

(8 August 2025) The Intercantonal University of Special Education Zurich (HfH) has made a remarkable shift in its approach to inclusion. It now states in one of its guiding principles on inclusion: “The goal is for all children and young people to learn together. If special needs cannot be met in an inclusive setting, separate or partially separate measures may be appropriate.”1