Summary - More democracy, less politics?

Original Title: Meer democratie, minder politiek?

Concerns about the functioning and future of democracy in the Netherlands can have a variety of causes. One such is the attitude of the demos: there is an assumption that political dissatisfaction is growing and that democratic engagement is in decline. This study examines public opinion in the Netherlands. Based on findings from earlier research, supplemented by analyses of a wide variety of survey data, it provides an insight into the attitudes and wishes of the Dutch population with regard to democracy and politics. How do members of the public assess Dutch democracy? What does ‘democracy’ actually mean for them? What do they think about representative and direct democracy and about the possibility of decisions being taken by independent experts? And what does all this mean for discussions about democratic renewal and the future of Dutch democracy?

Josje den Ridder is a political scientist who carries out research on public opinion, civic participation, political parties and party members.
Paul Dekker is a political scientist who carries out research at SCP and as a professor at Tilburg University into civil society and public opinion.