Oegema, Luc (2026) Perceptions of Community-Based Disaster Risk Reduction in the Netherlands. Bachelor thesis, Global Responsibility & Leadership (GRL).
|
PDF
BA-5611970-L.P.U.-Oegema.pdf Download (2MB) | Preview |
Abstract
This thesis investigates Dutch residents’ perception of Community-Based Disaster Risk Reduction (CBDRR) and evaluates the possibility of informing Dutch disaster preparedness with Japanese Bosai (disaster prevention) culture in response to geopolitical instability. A small-scale quantitative survey (n=103) sought to indicate perceptions on crisis preparedness, policy support, willingness to participate in neighborhood initiatives, and openness to intergenerational disaster prevention approaches. Results were compared with another survey that measured safety perceptions of European residents, called the Eurobarometer 547 (2024), and evaluated with existing literature. Major findings of the survey included that while 79.6% of respondents agreed neighbors should be able to rely on each other during crises, only 15.4% perceived their neighborhood to have a strong sense of responsibility for each other. Policy integration for government-led CBDRR-related initiatives was strongly supported by the Dutch population with 71.2% of survey respondents signifying their approval of regular drills and 74% for curriculum inclusion. Active willingness to participate, although high when compared to the number of people wanting to join volunteer work for disaster reduction in the Eurobarometer 547, was limited, with a majority of survey participants showing a neutral or negative inclination when asked if they would contribute to CBDRR initiatives. 52.7% of this thesis’s respondents indicated that Japanese culture from intergenerational disaster frameworks is very or extremely important. However, they also stipulated a low confidence in realistically applying long-term disaster risk reduction approaches in the Netherlands. This research reveals that the Dutch public demonstrates a certain gap between readiness and acceptance. Strong policy support opposes the weak perceived social infrastructure and the contrary of long-term cultural transfer. Recent geopolitical tensions might have spiked increased awareness about safety, but have yet to translate into social optimism. Indications of relatively higher levels of individualism prove to be obstacles when seeking to implement the Bosai-inspired elements that could potentially improve Dutch resilience.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Bachelor) |
|---|---|
| Name supervisor: | Belloir, A.C. |
| Date Deposited: | 20 Jul 2026 07:14 |
| Last Modified: | 20 Jul 2026 07:14 |
| URI: | https://campus-fryslan.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/893 |
Actions (login required)
 |
View Item |