Adaptation to Precarious Prosperity: Is it Resignation?

Abstract

This article aims at understanding how adaptation occurs in precarious prosperity. It investigates quality of life in Switzerland using a longitudinal qualitative design. The results show that processes of adaptation tend to be similar according to relevant social experiences and that adaptation does not mean complete resignation. Furthermore, the reasoning of adapting people changes over time. This shows an internalization of the perceived norm not being satisfied. Adaptation thus contributes to the reproduction of inequalities on a societal level.