Self-Help Groups and Governmental Policy in the Netherlands

Abstract

The emergence of self-help groups in Holland has paralleled the changeover from a liberal-constitutional state, fueled by economic expansion to a welfare state. Gov ernmental activity with respect to supportive social policies and legislative enact ments has, however, been far more limited than one might expect given the interest shown in the self-help phenomenon by the Council of Europe and the World Health Organization. The reasons for the current stance of the Dutch government with respect to the legitimation of self-help activity are examined in the context of institutionalization.: only groups and organizations that fit into the institutional care system or fit within specific local policies are eligible for contributions and other forms of support by the government or municipality. The article concludes by examining the conditions under which social advocacy can be more successful in reaching the goals for which self-help groups stand.