Sober Dutch Life

Dutch increasingly accept the reduced prosperity and the new austerity. More than a third of the population (34 percent) has spontaneously chosen to live a more sober life, shows the Mentality Monitor 2013 of investigation bureau Motivaction. 15 Years ago, that percentage was 23 and the society was more materialistic. Property has become less important. Sharing a car or other material things is becoming increasingly common. Choosing and doing more with less, is one of the main characteristics of this time, is one of the conclusions. The number of Dutch that self-adjusts to the new reality is steadily increasing. Greater personal responsibility and a lesser dependence on government is embraced by 43 percent. Other notable indicators in the current mentality climate, are a growing desire for expression through social media, searching for kicks and a fascination with violence. This is evident from the written survey which is conducted since 1998 and which uses a representative sample of at least 1000 Dutch annually. Violence on TV and movies is no longer massively rejected. In 1998, 82 percent felt that it was necessary to reduce violence on television. That is only 68 percent now.