FORCED FOSTERING – EXPERIENCES OF SWITZERLAND - NATIONAL MUSEUM ZURICH
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State intervention in the lives of individuals who failed to conform to societal norms was once a common practice in Switzerland. This control extended not only to adults but also impacted hundreds of thousands of children and teenagers up until the 1980s. These young individuals were forcibly removed from their parents or guardians and placed in institutions or foster homes. Many suffered from violence, abuse, hard labor, and a lack of proper education.
The video installation showcases testimonies from people who endured these experiences, sharing what it was like for them, how it continues to affect them, and why they have chosen to speak out today.
Sometimes objects cannot fully convey the significance of key developments in Switzerland’s recent history. This is why the Experiences of Switzerland format focuses on contemporary witnesses. Their stories and experiences provide visitors with a diverse and nuanced understanding of Swiss contemporary history. Each year, the theme changes.
This format does not involve objects but uses an immersive, large-scale projection with audio relayed through headphones. A dedicated station offers additional information on the latest research findings and the cultural-historical context of the subject.
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