Trend Inequality in the Netherlands driven by social class rather than place

Summary

Thanks to redistribution through taxes and benefits, the Netherlands ranks among the EU countries with the smallest income gaps. There are notable differences between municipalities, yet regional gaps are mostly small, while wealthier areas, large cities and student towns often show internal income divides. The report finds that social class shapes people's opportunities more than where they live. Inequality is not only about money but also about other resources such as networks, education and health. People with few of these resources fall structurally behind, and the report explains that as a result they are less able to take part fully in the labour market and in society.