The barometer on cohesion in Switzerland by Feldschlösschen
What unites Switzerland, and where are the cracks in the social fabric? Feldschlösschen has been exploring these issues since 2025, in collaboration with the research institute Sotomo. The second edition of the Cohesion Barometer shows that cohesion is under strain, but that it remains intact where people meet and engage in face-to-face dialogue.
Since its founding in 1876 in Rheinfelden, Feldschlösschen has been firmly rooted throughout Switzerland. As the country’s leading brewery and top beverage distributor, Feldschlösschen sees itself as a key player in bringing people together and facilitating connections. On the occasion of its 150th anniversary, under the motto “It’s US that matter,” the barometer focuses again this year on the following questions: What is the level of cohesion? Where do divisions arise? And how can we strengthen the community?
The Importance of Cohesion
Social cohesion is a value that is essential to the Swiss population. Only 4% of respondents consider it irrelevant. Opinions differ, however, on the meaning of social cohesion: solidarity, shared rules, and national identity are key aspects of it, and these vary depending on political orientation.
Perception of Cohesion
Two-thirds of the population believe that social cohesion is (rather) weak. The differences are particularly marked across political affiliations, social classes, and between long-time residents and immigrants. While men and women feel connected to one another, socially disadvantaged people have a more critical view of social cohesion.
Sports bring Switzerland together
The vast majority of respondents are satisfied with the size of their circle of friends and feel they can rely on the people around them. The general sense of community is therefore strong, but it is often limited to the private sphere. This can be explained in particular by the decline of public gathering places, since meeting up—for example, in restaurants or at events—is considered an important pillar of social cohesion.
Our partner Sotomo
Sotomo ist ein unabhängiges Forschungsinstitut für quantitative Analysen, Studien und Beratung im sozialwissenschaftlichen und politischen Bereich. Seit 2015 führt Sotomo repräsentative Bevölkerungsbefragungen durch, die Themen setzen und Botschaften transportieren. Neben Befragungen gehört ein breites Spektrum weiterer quantitativer Analysen zum Portfolio von Sotomo – von Raumanalysen, über automatisierte Textanalysen bis zu sekundärstatistischen Auswertungen.
2025 Edition
More information on the Swiss Cohesion Barometer 2025