'Alle de aanzienlijken in de regeering'? De maatschappelijke herkomst van Nederlandse ministers (1848-1986)

Samenvatting

Traditionally, public administrative posts in the Netherlands were the privilege of prominent families; in modern times, education has become the prime prerequisite. Analysis of data on the social background & educational level of all Dutch ministers, 1848-1986 (N = 423) reveals that in the nineteenth century, a high social milieu & a high level of education were the norm, though 25% of ministers reached their high office without any formal education whatsoever, via social connections. In the twentieth century, however, 50% of the ministers have been of Mc background, & nearly all have received postsecondary training (primarily academic). The few ministers from the Lc have reached their posts through new channels: unions or political parties. 6 Tables, 10 References. Modified HA