Publication Type: Proceeding
Abstract: There is much discussion in the varieties of capitalism (VoC) literature whether currently a general move into liberal direction can be identified or that the different political economies are, because of the complementary character of their elements, more or less locked into the paths they have developed on. Other topics of discussion are which forces and mechanisms bring about change and whether the dichotomous typology of only a liberal and a coordinated variety is sufficient for adequately analyzing politico-economic reality and its processes of change. This paper wants to contribute to these discussions by taking recent changes in the Dutch political economy as point of departure. Since varieties of capitalism in the most prominent view of Hall and Soskice (2001) are conceived of as entities the parts of which are complementary the paper will also have to come to terms with change in configurations of complementarities.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Review Method: Peer Reviewed
Abstract: This paper discusses how family law regulations in the Netherlands, Egypt and Morocco and their interaction might affect power relations between parents in Dutch-Moroccan and Dutch-Egyptian families. Family law gives regulations on for instance children’s first and family names, parental authority, and nationality. In the transnational context rules of private international law open up ways of affecting outcomes of family law regulations, for instance by choice of law or forum. The paper’s main focus is on how these regulations affect parents’ relative power in forming the legal relation with their children. In what ways do family law regulations of the three countries and the interaction between these afford a specific power position to both parents? Are these power positions related to gender, or ethnicity? Have recent law reforms in these three countries affected these positions? How does knowledge of these (changed) regulations affects their outcome?

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Review Method: Peer Reviewed
Abstract: This research evaluates www.drinktest.nl. At this website, people fill out a questionnaire and receive computer-tailored advice on sensible alcohol use. The drinktest is based on the Transtheoretical Model and the Attitude-Social influence-Efficacy model. One hundred and three respondents participated. After filling out a pre-test questionnaire, they took the test and read the advice. A posttest followed to establish the effects of the drinktest on behavioral determinants and stage of change. The relative importance of determinants in different stages was also assessed. The drinktest influenced stage of change and awareness of being a role model for others. Results indicate that campaigns addressing this role model function can be effective. Differences in determinants across stages were investigated for the precontemplation and contemplation stages. Results were in line with the earlier found Æ-shaped pattern in Dutch research on smoking cessation. Injunctive and descriptive norms were found to discriminate between excessive and moderate drinkers.

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: This study's central question is to what extent television genres in the Netherlands make use of additional channels and in what way these channels are incorporated into programs in terms of interactivity and genre objectives. In addition, we examine whether the availability of additional channels in genres corresponds to audience age. Expert interviews with representatives of Dutch broadcasting organizations and secondary analyses of Audience Research data were conducted. It was found that compared to other genres a) SMS is most frequently added to reality programs, b) email and websites to the information genre, c) teletext to sports programs, and d) merchandizing to childrens' programs. We found additional channels with hardly any influence on genre objectives, but also reinforcement of those objectives and additional channels contributing to the emergence of new genres. In addition, SMS is more often added to programs attracting a younger audience, whereas other additional channels are more often implemented in programs attracting an older than average audience. It was recommended that while implementing additional channels broadcasters should think beyond what is technically possible and feasible to offer to viewers, and pay attention to what typical viewers of genres may wish and in what way they make use of various channels (if at all).

Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: The very first volume (1937) of Public Opinion Quarterly contained an article called Cartoons. In the subsequent 45 years, according to the subject index 1937-1982, the leading journal on public opinion research had only two additional contributions on political cartoons. Scientific research on the character and influence of cartoons is marginal, at best. It can therefore be argued that it is time for a revival of the study of political cartoons in political science. Cartoons can be studied as representations of and critical comments on major political events. Cartoons reflect public opinion, contribute to this opinion and may even influence it. According to some, political cartoonists have contributed to the alleged rise in political cynicism at the mass level. In this paper an analysis is presented of political cartoons in the Netherlands. The focus is on the over 250 cartoons that were published during the election campaign of 2006. It will be shown that many of these pictures individually as well as the collective body of cartoons tell an interesting story about Dutch elections, the perception of politicians and politics in general.