Discourse about politics in the Netherlands: anti-politics and populism, more or less

M. J. van Bezouw, Bert Klandermans

Research output: Chapter in Book / Report / Conference proceedingChapterAcademic

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Abstract

This chapter shows how Dutch citizens discuss the legitimacy of politics, their influence on political decision-making, and which types of political action are preferred to influence politics in light of the political supply in the Netherlands. The Dutch political system is known as a stable ‘consociational democracy’, a democracy in a segmented society aimed at creating stability through elite level cooperation. Anti-politics and anti-elite feelings, along with immigration, are core themes of Dutch populist parties’ platforms. Discussing politics and political decision-making as an issue for society was sometimes conflated with the influence of banks and businesses. Especially in the higher age groups, choosing financial interest over the interests of Dutch citizens was discussed as a problem for the legitimacy of politics. Discontent about politics was more often related to changing the electoral political system rather than seeking non-electoral ways to influence politics.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationWhen Citizens Talk About Politics
EditorsClare Saunders, Bert Klandermans
Place of PublicationLondon
PublisherRoutledge
Chapter3
Pages59-76
Number of pages18
ISBN (Electronic)9780429458385
ISBN (Print)9781138312180
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2019

Publication series

NameMobilization series on social movements, protest, and culture
PublisherRoutledge

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