Polarization in the Netherlands

System dynamics and data science to get a deeper understanding of public opinions in social groups

Master thesis (2019)

Authors

J. Fase Technology, Policy and Management

Contributors

E. Pruyt Policy Analysis - TPM (supervisor 1)
M.J. van den Hoven Values Technology and Innovation (supervisor 2)
H. Asghari Organisation & Governance - TPM (supervisor 2)
Mieke Struik Politie Nederland (coach)
Faculty
Technology, Policy and Management
Copyright: © 2019 Joep Fase
Data Science System Dynamics Polarization Migration Public Opinion
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Published Date

23-09-2019

Language

English

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Faculty

Technology, Policy and Management

Abstract

The Netherlands is becoming increasingly diverse, amongst other things, due to ethnicity, religion, and urbanity. These diverse societies cluster in districts all across the Netherlands. There is an increase in tension between social groups, especially between people with and without migration background. Data analysis is used to measure the public opinion of each district in the Netherlands based on election results. System dynamics is used to model the public opinion over time and the polarizing behavior within districts. Polarization is a thought construct and does not need physical evidence to occur so the public debate plays a large role because it creates fuel for polarization. Even though there are national trends regarding public opinion, it is advised to look at a district in specific to understand why polarization may occur there.