The impact of Wilders' discourse and policies on refugee well-being in the Netherlands
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2025-08-08
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en
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This thesis investigates the impact of Geert Wilders’ anti-immigration discourse and policies on the well-being of refugees in the Netherlands. With the rise in support for far-right populism
and an increase in anti-immigration discourse, this research examines how language and law intersect and eventually influence well-being. This study combines the critical discourse analysis (CDA) and the social exclusion theory to explore the relationship between Wilders discourse and policies on refugee well-being. Well-being in this research is examined using eight themes as suggested by the CBS (2021): subjective well-being, material well-being, housing, health, work, safety, society and environment.
This research ultimately suggests that the effects of anti-immigration discourse extend far beyond political speech. Through emotionally charged language, repetition of misleading metaphors, and an appeal to fear, Wilders’ discourse not only shapes public opinion but also legitimises exclusionary policy decisions that directly harm refugee well-being. By integrating insights from cognitive science, discourse theory, and refugee studies, this thesis highlights the urgent need for political communication that is not only effective but also ethical. In an era where misinformation and emotionally manipulative narratives spread rapidly, critically examining the link between words and their consequences is more important than ever. I hope this work contributes to that effort and to a more humane, evidence-based conversation on immigration in the Netherlands and elsewhere.
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Faculteit der Managementwetenschappen