In "Reading Lolita in Tehran: A Memoir in Books," Azar Nafisi highlights how Switzerland represents a standard of Western permissiveness. The juxtaposition of Iran with Switzerland serves as a critique of the societal restrictions imposed in Iran, particularly regarding cultural and personal freedoms. The reference indicates that actions or programs deemed unacceptable in Iran are often dismissed with the reminder that they do not align with Western norms as exemplified by Switzerland.

Nafisi’s narrative suggests a longing for the freedoms associated with Western lifestyles while drawing attention to the stark contrast in cultural values. This mockery emphasizes how Iranian society's constraints stand in sharp relief against the perceived laxity of Switzerland, thus showcasing the challenges and complexities of living in a restrictive regime where Western ideals are both admired and rejected.