Dutch less satisfied with their society
Four out of ten Dutch people think the country has deteriorated since the 1990s. A study by magazine Reader’s Digest shows that the Dutch gave the Netherlands seven out of ten back then and only six now. The study concludes that Dutch citizens have less faith in legislation, law and order, politics, the police, integration of minorities and the maintenance of moral values. People’s faith in social cohesion has fallen by half, and they think society will only get even less caring.
It is not all bad news, however: compared to ten years ago, the Dutch are happier, have a better balance between work and free time, are more positive about technological developments and are pleased with the increased attention for the environment. The study also shows that the Dutch are cautiously optimistic about jobs and incomes.
Source: Radio Netherlands, 26 September 2007
