Even 25 years ago when I lived in Switzerland i could see how much easier quality of life was there. Everyone (90%) was middle class. Everyone was paid 13 months’ salary for 11 months’ work. The 13th month was about the amount of taxes for that year (dependent on canton). The 4 weeks off work allowed every family to travel. People went home for 1-2 hrs at lunch still. Education included job training and licensing. University was free for those who sought and tested into the careers it applied to.
Old people were technically poor but their senior and nursing facilities were free. Your employer covered all accidents even off work (lots of ski injuries). Every family could easily afford semi private med insurance in which most costs were paid. Unlimited sick time from work with MD note.
We have in the USA lost all of these trappings of middle class comfortable life. Some we never had, but middle class life was not bad in the 1970s.
Women got the Federal vote in Switzerland in 1971.
sure, with no welfare state/minority problems or military budget like we have...