Samenvatting

The multicultural society cannot be denied, because we experience this society on the street, in our neighborhoods, at schools, on public transport and at work in the Netherlands. However, for a couple of years this society is no longer truly accepted. Even a simple question as 'Do we live in a multicultural society?' is being answered differently by competent critics. The often heated discussions on multiculturalism are being held in the media and politics. In 2000 Paul Scheffer's essay on "the multicultural drama" caused a lot commotion in the Netherlands. His dissertation has made a significant contribution to the openness of public discussion on immigration.
Scientific studies about the multicultural society are not widely available, while the information that they contain is very fast invalid. Due to the fast rise of the multicultural society, the Dutchman is surprised, as well as dumbfounded about the growth of ethnic minority groups which has caused unexpected social changes in the Dutch society. These include the re-entering of subjects in the public and political debate on the Dutch identity and Dutch norms and values.
The "multicultural drama" by Scheffer, the aftermath of 9/11 and the political murders of Pim Fortuyn and Theo van Gogh have obviously caused a chain of actions and reactions in the public and political debate. Especially Muslims are subject of a complex debate. This group of immigrants are slow to integrate into the Dutch way of life, coping with the values of a free society and adjusting themselves to the openness of Dutch culture. In the aftermath of these events, anti -immigration sentiment developed strongly in the Netherlands.
The Dutch multicultural society faces many challenges, where a self-critical evaluation is required. Concretely, the stimulation of opportunities for increased education, employment of immigrants and participation in society; rather than making people dependent on the welfare system, will be a first step. The role of politicians is to create a framework in which all people living in the Netherlands will be included with equal treatment and opportunity. Debate, struggle and insecurity will eventually lead towards a well-balanced multicultural society.