The Poor Side of the Netherlands

Abstract

Poverty is a theme that has attracted a great deal of attention in the Netherlands over the last decade, both in government policy and in academic research and statistics. Since 1997 the Social and Cultural Planning Office (SCP) and Statistics Netherlands (CBS) have published a regular Poverty Monitor containing the most up-to-date statistics on the extent, causes and consequences of poverty. The Poor Side of the Netherlands contains an anthology of this series of Monitors. In addition to figures on the number of poor households, their composition and their living conditions, this report also contains information on groups with a high risk of poverty. It also discusses the theme of social exclusion on the basis of the policy indicators adopted at European level as well as on the basis of a new methodology. Finally, the report devotes special attention to the dynamics of poverty, the poverty trap and employment as an escape route from poverty.

The Poor Side of the Netherlands is intended for policymakers, researchers involved in monitoring, and anyone interested in learning more about poverty in the Netherlands.