This article examines inequalities in highbrow cultural participation in 18 countries. It tests whether inequalities in such participation occur because of the status conferred by consumption of high culture, or whether they are more a result of differences in cognitive competencies....

Introduction Fighting poverty has always been at the centre of welfare state activities. There are several important reasons for such a focus but a key issue is no doubt that poverty is associated with increasing risks for ill-health and also death. That at least extreme poverty and poor health...

The Dutch textile and clothing sector is a small economic sector, in which companies are rationalising production and moving it abroad. New production processes have also been introduced. The sector is densely organised with regard to consultation and collective bargaining. The employer...

The decline in trade union membership has been an issue since the 1990tees. Since 1980 and again since 1995 there has been an actual decline in membership rates. Fewer males and young employees are joining the unions, although female membership has increased. Declining membership rates are...

The relevance of the Dutch audiovisual sector in terms of the number of employees is negligible. However, in qualitative terms, the sector is infl uential in Dutch society. The characteristics of collective bargaining are defi ned by the division into public and commercial broadcasting. In...

In more than 70% of the firms with 50 employees or more, a works council has been installed. Compared to other EU-countries, I&C rights in the Netherlands are extensive. The situation since the early 1980’s is rather stable, both from a legislative point of view and in a practical sense.

Two factors make industrial relations in this sector atypical. Firstly, performing artists generally do not see themselves as an employee, and secondly there is the continuing trend towards commercialisation. These factors make it hard for employer associations and unions to organise employees...

The electricity sector is of fundamental importance to Dutch society and the economy. In consequence of the introduction of the market mechanisms the production and distribution of electricity have been delegated to the market since 2006. The network infrastructure has remained under state...