A switching device comprises a pair of electrodes, an organic insulating layer and an inorganic oxide layer which are held between the electrodes. The organic insulating layer is comprised of an organic compound having at least one .pi.-electron level and the inorganic oxide layer is comprised of a metal oxide. Another switching device comprises a pair of electrodes, an organic insulating thin film provided between the electrodes and said organic insulating thin film in such a manner than an electrification region between the electrodes may be restricted.