"I was simply nobody" - care and coercion in Switzerland

The exhibition visualises the tension between care and coercion, gives those affected a voice and awakens empathy for people who were - and still are - on the margins of society. It takes a critical look at the past and present and asks: When does care become coercion? When is coercion legitimate? And how can abuse of power and injustice be prevented? The project spans the spectrum from those affected by compulsory welfare measures to families affected by the Saisonnier Statute to refugees and undocumented migrants. Insights into personal stories and social contexts In three mobile houses, the exhibition approaches the topic of welfare and coercion from different perspectives. In the first house, visitors encounter the personal stories of those affected. A second house is dedicated to those responsible and the problems they face, in which video interviews provide an insight into the current framework conditions. The public, the media and politics are also part of the exhibition and are included in the discussion in the third house. A participation project accompanies and supports those interested in researching their own story. In the storytelling café, interested parties, those affected and contemporary witnesses can discuss the topic of care and coercion and tell their stories. In the history workshop, experts provide support in researching stories of welfare coercion. The mobile exhibition is aimed at both the general public and interested groups such as schools, associations or special interest groups. In order to convey the content in a targeted manner, the exhibition is supervised throughout.