Divisions in Dutch cities

Abstract

The notion of the dual city, with particular reference to social polarization and socio-spatial divisions, is subject to unresolved debate. Such debate is predominantly oriented towards the United States. Paul Stouten considers the experience of large Dutch cities. Stouten suggests that, though the concept is inadequate in representing the Dutch situation especially in old city districts, it leaves scope for discussion for the analysis of post-industrial large cities in the Netherlands. Exclusion within the labour market does not necessarily correspond to the same extent to certain housing sectors. As yet sharp polarizations have been prevented through many social safety nets and an extended urban renewal programmes carried out between 1975 and early 1990s. State intervention in the housing market has produced a substantial improvement in housing conditions of the less well-off and of ethnic minority groups but also led to increasing fragmentation and differences in housing production and consumption. Because of new policies towards privatization, the sustainability of the results in urban renewal districts is in danger. Further clarification may depend on the adoption of different research methods, a combination of structural and subjective approaches.