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Anti-social Behavior Threatens Society, Yet Individuals Deny Personal Responsibility

NRC·25 September · 06:00·3 hours ago

A study by the Hague Centre for Strategic Studies reveals that while three-quarters of Dutch citizens view anti-social behavior as a societal threat, most deny contributing to it. Researcher Gerben Bakker attributes this denial to individualization and the human tendency to justify one's own actions while judging others. Josje den Ridder from the Social and Cultural Planning Office notes that concerns about declining norms have persisted since the 1970s, with trust in strangers remaining stable despite increased violence against police. Generational differences exist, with older groups focusing on authority and multiculturalism, while younger groups emphasize identity. Ultimately, such behavior undermines the sense of safety and belonging essential for social cohesion.

Ozetta summarises; the reporting is the newsroom's

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