pillarization
pillarization This term is a translation of the Dutch word Verzuiling, first used by the political scientist J. P. Kruyt to describe the peculiar nature of the social structure and political institutions in the Netherlands, although it has since been applied elsewhere (for example with reference to Belgium). For much of the twentieth century, Dutch society was divided by cross-cutting class-based and religious cleavages into four dominant interest groups or blocs–Catholics, Protestants, Socialists, and Liberals–around which formed ‘virtually all politically and socially relevant organizations and group affiliations’ ( A. Lipjhart , The Politics of Accommodation, 1968
).
Both religious blocs incorporated sections of the working and middle classes, whereas the secular forces divided along class lines (working-class Socialists; middle/upper-class Liberals). Separate political parties represented each bloc (two for the Protestants) and politics was characterized by bargaining and accommodation between them. Many other social institutions were similarly constituted: for example, trade unions, media, voluntary associations, social welfare, and education. Patterns of elite formation, friendship, marriage, job recruitment, and other social relations were also affected.
Political scientists have been interested in how mutual accommodation, cross-cutting ideologies (such as nationalism), and the diverse class composition of some of the blocs have allowed democratic institutions to survive in this divided society. However, from the 1960s the cleavages began to erode–with, for example, mergers between the religious parties. A growing secularization of society and the rise of new social and political concerns has led some to conclude that pillarization is of little contemporary relevance.
).
Both religious blocs incorporated sections of the working and middle classes, whereas the secular forces divided along class lines (working-class Socialists; middle/upper-class Liberals). Separate political parties represented each bloc (two for the Protestants) and politics was characterized by bargaining and accommodation between them. Many other social institutions were similarly constituted: for example, trade unions, media, voluntary associations, social welfare, and education. Patterns of elite formation, friendship, marriage, job recruitment, and other social relations were also affected.
Political scientists have been interested in how mutual accommodation, cross-cutting ideologies (such as nationalism), and the diverse class composition of some of the blocs have allowed democratic institutions to survive in this divided society. However, from the 1960s the cleavages began to erode–with, for example, mergers between the religious parties. A growing secularization of society and the rise of new social and political concerns has led some to conclude that pillarization is of little contemporary relevance.
More From encyclopedia.com
Nicos Poulantzas , Poulantzas, Nicos
Famous for his concept of the “relative-autonomy of the state” as well as for his debate with Ralph Miliband (1924–1994), Nicos Pou… Political Sociology , In a seminal article from 1969, Giovanni Sartori drew a sharp distinction between the sociology of politics and political sociology. The sociology of… Oligarchy , The word “oligarchy” and the concepts which it symbolizes originated in ancient Greece. In its basic use, the word identified one of the general form… Petty Bourgeoisie , Bourgeoisie, Petty
The term petty bourgeoisie originally referred to the class of people involved in small-scale commercial enterprises who owned the… Political Culture , Political culture is the set of attitudes, beliefs, and sentiments which give order and meaning to a political process and which provide the underlyi… Comparative Politics , Politics, Comparative
The Encyclopaedia of the Social Sciences, published between 1930 and 1935, contained no special article on comparative politics…
You Might Also Like
NEARBY TERMS
pillarization