The new Hopebarometer report is published in December 2019. This edition focuses on the relation between hope and inclusivity.
With an average score of 6.3, Dutch citizens are as hopeful as they were in 2018, but we do see changes in trust and expectations. People have more positive expectations for life in general and social services such as education, health care and safety. Moreover, trust in financial institutions, such as banks, has increased over the past year. We also see a small but significant increase in trust in strangers, the army and political parties.
Generally, we find lower hope among people who don’t feel included in society, that is, people who cannot fully participate in society, find the Dutch society unfair, feel discriminated against or are limited by their finances or health. Moreover, people who are less hopeful are also less inclined to help others or commit to improving their community.