Dutch Discontents: social fear and conflict in Amsterdam's public spaces

Applicant: Prof. dr. P.L. Geschiere (University of Amsterdam)

Abstract
This research explores what in the Netherlands has come to be seen as the most important arena for societal conflict: urban public space. While this conflict clearly involves gender, age and class, it is above all construed as ethnic in nature. Through in-depth qualitative research in the Amsterdam Nieuwe Pijp neighbourhoods, the proposed research examines when, why and by whom public social life is experienced as comfortable and safe, or threatening and conflict-ridden, and how such senses of safety and danger impact the ability of different urbanites to fully enact their citizenship.