Statistics Netherlands | CBS | How do people experience inequality of opportunity in the Netherlands?
Statistics Netherlands | CBS
Source published: 11 June 25
How do people experience inequality of opportunity in the Netherlands?
This research focuses on how the population of the Netherlands experiences inequality of opportunity in various life areas.
How does the population of the Netherlands think about current themes? And how do they experience their own situation? These questions are central to the Experiences research conducted annually by CBS. Examples of topics covered in previous studies include climate change, energy transition, and (un)healthy lifestyles. This years theme is inequality of opportunity, for example in education, the labor market, housing, and healthcare. Do people feel that everyone has equal opportunities in the Netherlands? Have they themselves experienced inequality of opportunity? And what differences exist on these points between population groups and regions? The research complements existing sources on inequality of opportunity in the Netherlands.
Social inequality and poverty
Project leader Rianne Kloosterman from CBS explains why this time the theme of inequality of opportunity has been chosen. This theme can be found as a societal challenge in our Multi-Year Program 2024–2028. It is listed under the chapter on social inequality and poverty. A current topic, as research has shown that some people receive fewer opportunities than others. Think of children from parents with a lower socioeconomic position. The government also recognizes the importance of inequality of opportunity and is committed to promoting equal opportunities. As CBS, we want to provide a better picture of the experienced inequality of opportunity based on the opinions and experiences of residents of the Netherlands. For this subject, CBS surveyed over 8 thousand people, partly via the internet and partly by phone. CBS interviewers also visited people at home. Due to an increase in the sample size, results can also be mapped regionally, for example by province, border regions, and the Randstad.
Experienced inequality of opportunity
What is the status of the experienced inequality of opportunity among the Dutch? Kloosterman: Our research shows that of the 18-plus who follow or have followed education in the Netherlands, 35 percent feel that they have had fewer opportunities in education due to at least one characteristic of themselves or their environment. The financial situation of the parents is mentioned most frequently by 21 percent of respondents. However, the majority of the population – 78 percent – is satisfied or very satisfied with the opportunities they have had in Dutch education. Another outcome of the research is that one-third of employees feel that they have fewer opportunities at work than their colleagues due to at least one characteristic of themselves or their environment. This includes, for example, obtaining a permanent contract or promotion. Age and educational level are both mentioned by 13 percent as characteristics that make employees feel disadvantaged in the labor market. However, three-quarters of the adult population is satisfied with their own opportunities in the labor market.
Fully participating
Ruben van Gaalen is program manager on the theme of social inequality and poverty. Social inequality has various causes, such as educational level and living and working situation. The socioeconomic position of people also largely determines the degree of inequality between groups and the opportunities people have to fully participate in society. According to Van Gaalen poverty in particular is a barrier to participation. Not being able to participate or insufficient participation causes inequality of opportunity in various life domains. The societal impact of this is significant. Therefore, it is crucial that CBS continuously maps these developments.
Education and income
Inequality of opportunity among Dutch citizens is a topic that regularly takes center stage in the media and government policy. There are several factors known to influence inequality of opportunity. For example, consider the educational level and income of parents. Household spending on homework assistance, tutoring, final exam preparation, and training has been increasing for years. This is easier for parents with a higher income. There are differences between children regarding the extent to which their parents can help them with their homework and school choice, but also regarding the housing in which children grow up (do they have their own room and do they have learning materials such as a laptop?). Related to this, the neighborhood in which children grow up and the strength of the social network (family, friends, and neighbors) also play an important role.
