Switching ground?

[SJLenz1340]

In many automotive schematics that I have seen the ground is switched more often than the power supply. Is this the preferred method with DC power? And does it matter if switching a solenoid?
I am not a stranger to electrical circuits and wiring strategies, just not involved in DC that often. In my world low voltage control circuits often switch a “common” wire to minimize arching and mitigate inrush currents.
Thanks for any input!

[oldgold70c10]

It is done not because it's preferable, but because it avoids running an extra wire in the circuit.

[dmjlambert]

Originally Posted by oldgold70c10

It is done not because it's preferable, but because it avoids running an extra wire in the circuit.

Yes. An example is in a door jamb switch for courtesy light. If you were switching the 12V + side, you would have to run that 12V wire over there to the door jamb switch and also run the return wire from the switch to whatever you are switching on. Switches that connect to ground can be daisy-chained if desired and with one wire, switch the ground side of a device. Another example is the wiper/washer switch that grounds different combinations of 3 pins to achieve the desired motor behavior with only 3 wires.