Valais in Research
Overview
Intro
Nick Zenzünen
What happened to people in the Upper Valais in the 20th century who were poor, had no family, or did not conform to the “social norm”? Who received support, who was monitored, and why were some people placed in institutions or with foster families?This lecture examines the history of the welfare system in the Upper Valais between 1930 and 1981 and how various actors were able, on the one hand, to support people in need, but on the other hand, to decide on drastic measures such as out-of-home placements or administrative care.Drawing on archival sources and the recollections of former beneficiaries, the lecture demonstrates how poverty, social hardship, and societal notions of “order” and “morality” shaped the daily lives of many people. It becomes clear that social welfare was far more than material aid: it could offer protection and support, but at the same time it could also mean control and exclusion.The lecture provides insights into a hitherto little-researched chapter of Upper Valais’ social history and invites reflection on the meaning of aid, responsibility, and social belonging.
Note: This text was translated by machine translation software and not by a human translator. It may contain translation errors.
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Event dates
- 10 December 2026
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