Thomas Kampen

Thomas Kampen (1981) joined the Amsterdam School for Social science Research (ASSR) in April 2009. He obtained his Master’s degree in sociology in 2007 with a thesis on the effect of market incentives on the autonomy of medical specialist. His PhD research is part of a bigger project called ‘Learning participation’ which focuses on the WMO. The WMO is new Dutch legislation on social support and was introduced in 2007. It reflects social developments and governmental ambitions of promoting ‘active citizenship’. The project ‘Learning participation’ studies questions that bear on the WMO’s central aim: stimulating citizen participation. The project is funded by Nicis Institute.

Thomas’ PhD research focuses on social participation, including voluntary work, daytime activities and recreation. Alongside citizens who are already active in society, the WMO focuses on stimulating participation among hitherto non-active citizens. Therefore the research will also examine the role of professionals, volunteers and informal caretakers in stimulating participation among non-active citizens. While the term ‘active citizenship’ is frequently used, there remain significant gaps in our knowledge on how people are most effectively motivated and under what circumstances they are most likely to feel responsible for one another. Thomas’ research aims to provide deeper insight into the meaning of participation and feelings that go along with participation such as fear, disappointment and sorrow.