Class is something of a taboo in the Netherlands. We are taught from a young age that our society is a meritocracy, where anyone can make it to the top with enough effort. Class, we are told, is a thing of the past. But is it? Established research and common experience seem to suggest otherwise.

A cleaner and a real estate developer would probably live in very different neighbourhoods. One might worry about keeping their job and paying rent; the other is more concerned with restrictive legislation and investment climate. One might be a member of FNV, the other of VNO-NCW.

The origin of these differences, which has traditionally been called class, will be the topic of this reading group, along with its political implications. During the course of our study, we will try to answer questions such as: What constitutes class in the 21st Century? What classes exist in present-day society? How does class relate to gender, race and ethnicity? And what role does education play in class formation?

This reading group is participatory, self-organised and free of charge. We collectively decide which subtopics to cover, by splitting up into groups, which will each organize one of the sessions. The reading group will be in English, held from 9 May to 13 June, weekly on Monday evenings from 19:00 until 22:00 in Utrecht.

Sessions will be held on:
– 9 May
– 23 May
– 30 May
– 6 June
– 13 June

Note that for entering University Library after five pm an ID or student card is required.