Dynamics of Power in Dutch Integration Politics

Integration politics in the Netherlands has changed dramatically between 1990 and 2005. Whereas ethnic and religious differences were hitherto pacified through accommodation, a new and increasingly powerful current in Dutch politics problematized the presence of minorities. This development represents a challenge to sociologists and political scientists: how to map and explain drastic changes? Arguing that extant approaches are better at explaining continuity than change, this book develops a relational discourse analysis to understand dynamic power relations in national as well as local politics.

"This meticulously researched and theoretically sophisticated book develops an original, provocative sociological interpretation of contemporary political struggles in the Netherlands around “integration politics”. Uitermark frames his interpretation not only in relation to the specificity of Dutch trends but as a broader contribution to theories of power in modern society. His book offers a brilliant analysis of a key dimension of early 21st century political life." -- Neil Brenner, professor of urban theory at the Harvard Graduate School of Design |"The study of Justus Uitermark is a must-read for all those international observers who ask themselves: 'What happened to The Netherlands and its longstanding tradition of tolerance?'" -- Jean Tillie, professor of electoral politics at the University of Amsterdam

Justus Uitermark is Professor of Community Development at the Sociology Department of Erasmus University Rotterdam.