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Gedogen - the psychological aspects of Dutch tolerance

Barendregt, Wendy (2011) Gedogen - the psychological aspects of Dutch tolerance.

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Abstract:The aim of this research project was to gain basic knowledge about the Dutch phenomenon ‘gedogen’ on a social-cultural level, starting with the verification of the assumption that ‘gedogen’ takes place on a social-cultural level. What does ‘Gedogen’ mean to Dutch people on a social-cultural level? How do the Dutch deal with ‘Gedogen’ on a social-cultural level and is the way the Dutch apply ‘Gedogen’ situational, and different in the more formal situation of work? In order to investigate ‘gedogen’, 20 people were selected through convenience sampling and interviewed. The results of these interviews show that the assumption that ‘gedogen’ takes place on a social-cultural level is justified. However, the Dutch prefer to use the verb ‘gedogen’ on a policy level and the verb ‘tolereren’ on a social-cultural level, even though they are synonyms. Based on literature of Dutch history and culture, several sensitizing concepts were used as a starting point for the analysis of the interviews. Our findings reveal the process of ‘gedogen’ in some more detail. The starting point for ‘gedogen’ is a situation or action in conflict with one’s moral values. This conflict is pragmatically judged using three factors: one’s own interest, the other’s interest, and the right to self-determination. Situations of in which ‘gedogen’ occurs on a social-cultural level at work, at home, at school, in the streets, in a pub and on a bike are identified. ‘Gedogen’ is performed among friends, acquaintances, strangers, colleagues and family, by young people and by older people. It can be concluded that ‘gedogen’ takes place in all aspects of daily life and is not limited to certain situations. Additionally, the process of ‘gedogen’ is not situational in terms of the factors emerging in various contexts. However, the terms representing the factors or the particular terms used, differ between situations. The final chapter discusses the results, and suggestions are given for further research to advance our knowledge on this phenomenon ‘gedogen’. This study may be the starting point for further research on conflict theory or cross-cultural psychology.
Item Type:Essay (Master)
Faculty:BMS: Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences
Subject:77 psychology
Programme:Psychology MSc (66604)
Link to this item:https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/61190
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