Lunchlezing: Maatschappelijke trends in beeld

Description

The talk introduced Tilburg University’s Trendmonitor Mens en Maatschappij, a longitudinal research initiative examining how major societal changes affect the Dutch population. Using representative LISS panel data, the monitor studies not only which issues people consider important, but also which transitions they experience directly in their daily lives.

The presentation focused on six transitions: climate change, digitalization, diversity and inclusion, demographic change, international conflict, and housing and spatial scarcity. Findings showed that political developments, climate change, inflation, and digitalization were experienced as most impactful, while migration and diversity and inclusion were mentioned less often in relation to everyday life.

Perceptions remained largely stable between 2024 and 2025, although the perceived impact of digitalization increased. Younger people were particularly affected by digitalization and housing scarcity, while urban and university-educated respondents generally reported greater impact.

Most transitions were evaluated negatively and primarily evoked concern. Digitalization was the main exception, generating relatively more hope and optimism. Respondents also placed responsibility mainly on governments, companies, and organizations rather than on individual citizens.

Overall, the Trendmonitor provides policymakers and researchers with systematic insight into how societal change is experienced across different population groups and how these perceptions evolve over time.

Period	18 Jun 2026
Held at	Tweede Kamer Analysis and Research Service (DAO), Netherlands
Degree of Recognition	National