# Most Dutch people do not feel disadvantaged, but some do

> Most people in the Netherlands do not feel disadvantaged, but a sizeable group does, and the Sociaal en Cultureel Planbureau (SCP) says that feeling is the biggest cause of dissatisfaction with politics.

Society · published 2026-10-27 19:21 · https://nlnow.nl/a/dutch-with-vocational-education-feel-most-disadvantaged-on-housing/

Most Dutch people do not feel disadvantaged, but a group feels that people like themselves are treated unfairly, research by the Sociaal en Cultureel Planbureau (SCP) finds.

The study shows large differences between education levels. A large share of those who feel disadvantaged have a mbo (secondary vocational) education. The SCP says people who feel disadvantaged are more likely than average to vote for the PVV and FVD, or do not vote.

In the SCP's interviews, mbo-educated people, with and without a migration background, are angry about priority for refugees granted a residence permit (statushouders) (refugees granted a residence permit) on the housing market. They say politicians pay too much attention, and spend too much taxpayers' money, on newcomers and are not there for "their own population".

University-educated people live in a different "social reality" on many issues, the SCP says. Many see cultural diversity as an enrichment rather than a threat, and feel well represented by political institutions.

The SCP also notes that Dutch people who feel they are getting the short end of the stick are more often in a less favourable position, for example on the housing market. "They also more often face other disadvantages, such as a lower income, a weaker network or poorer health," the report says.

## Background

- **SCP (Sociaal en Cultureel Planbureau)**: The Social and Cultural Planning Office is the Dutch government's research institute on social and cultural developments. It studies topics such as wellbeing, social cohesion, inequality and public opinion, and publishes its findings for the government and parliament.
- **mbo (middelbaar beroepsonderwijs)**: Secondary vocational education in the Netherlands, a practical, career-oriented track taken after secondary school (vmbo) or alongside work. It leads to qualifications at levels 1 to 4, which prepare students for skilled jobs or further study at a hbo or university of applied sciences.
- **statushouders**: Refugees who have been granted a residence permit in the Netherlands after applying for asylum. Municipalities can give them priority on social housing waiting lists, which is why they are often discussed in debates about housing allocation.

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