Regional differences of social cohesion in the Netherlands
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2024-06-21
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en
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Social cohesion has in recent years increasingly been the subject of academic studies in the Netherlands. This growing interest in the subject can be explained by increasing scientific curiosity as well as policy enhancing research. Still, there is no picture of the regional differences of social cohesion in the Netherlands. This research aims to explore these regional differences by mapping out social cohesion in all Dutch municipalities (N = 342), statistically investigating what might be causing these differences and finally further examining the eastern regions of Achterhoek and Twente in a case study. Based on the theoretical framework, it is expected that social cohesion is higher in more rural areas. The social cohesion map confirmed this expectation and also revealed that there are three high social cohesion regions in the Netherlands: Wadden Island, Twente and Achterhoek. Statistical analysis reveals that social cohesion indeed increases as urbanization decreases. Furthermore, ethnic variation and excessive alcohol use are positively related to social cohesion, and economic inequality and education level are negatively related to social cohesion. The case study showed that residents from the Achterhoek and Twente indeed experience a strong social cohesion in their neighbourhoods/communities.
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Faculteit der Managementwetenschappen