Publisher's Synopsis
This volume discusses the level of Dutch individual involvement in culture (various forms of arts and cultural heritage). Trends in participation are treated against the background of what the cultural field offers the Dutch population. In addition to "cultural consumption" (visiting a theater or going to the movies) this work also views active creative activity (painting, playing music, acting) and the use of the mass media for cultural purposes. Women appear to be more interested in most cultural forms than are men; highly educated people participate more than those with lower levels of education, although participation levels of the higher educated are declining somewhat; and, among the middle aged, popular rather than high arts are on the rise. The book concludes by discussing scenarios for a future in which the cultural field faces increased competition over the leisure time of Dutch citizens.
Frank Huysmans, Andries van den Broek and Jos de Haan are part of the research group on Time, Media and Culture of the Social and Cultural Planning Office in The Hague, Netherlands.
