From segregation to inclusion: special needs education and the transformation of the Swiss welfare state

Abstract

This article examines the evolution of special needs education in Switzerland, focusing on the transition from segregation to inclusion within the context of welfare state formation. The authors hypothesise that both segregated and inclusive education systems are inextricably linked to the logic of the Swiss welfare state, which aims to integrate individuals into society while reducing the financial burden on the state. Historical analysis reveals that, from the end of the nineteenth century, early welfare measures, driven by statistical thinking and medico-educational classifications, led to the establishment of special educational facilities for “abnormal” children. In the twentieth century, it became apparent that educational segregation led to social separation, not integration. However, despite the political commitment to the new paradigm of inclusive education, its practical implementation remains challenging, with significant variations among Swiss cantons and ongoing debates about resource allocation and meritocracy.