Conditions in Switzerland favor investment in applied research in the natural sciences, since this is relevant for the export industries. Basic research and studies relevant to the planning and interpretation of social development tend to be neglected. This is true most of all for the social sciences, which have been encouraged in Switzerland only since the 1960's. The possibility of sociology developing criminology as a subfield continues to be remote. The impetus for the study of criminology is further undermined by the low crime rate and the perception that crime is not a significant problem in Switzerland. Sixty-four notes and 70 bibliographic listings are provided.