eprintid: 3225
rev_number: 5
eprint_status: archive
userid: 1
dir: disk0/00/00/32/25
datestamp: 2020-07-29 12:37:49
lastmod: 2020-07-29 12:37:49
status_changed: 2020-07-29 12:37:49
type: thesis
metadata_visibility: show
sword_depositor: 1
creators_name: Kamminga, O.R.J.
creators_id: S2736381
creators_email: oscarkamminga@hotmail.com
title: Incorporation of identity discourses in newly amalgamated municipalities: insights in Het Hogeland, the Netherlands
ispublished: unpub
full_text_status: public
abstract: Pressure on public services is increasing due to an ageing population and the continuing process of urbanization. Scale enlargement and redistribution of responsibilities through municipal mergers is often proposed as solution. However, municipal mergers are frequently met with resistance based on rational-economic and/or sociocultural objections. By means of a multi-staged mixed method approach this thesis studies the role of identity discourses in newly amalgamated municipalities. First, analysis of a case study in the municipality Het Hogeland show that the region is a site of collective memory. To embed to the new municipal configuration in historical and cultural narratives, rooted notions like Hogeland and Hunsingo have been actively used by the municipality. Second, incorporation of regional identity played a small yet significant role in the merger process. Active mobilization of shared cultural and historical narratives contributed to the legitimization and acceptance of the Hogeland merger. Involvement of local communities in the merger decision-making process and re-bordering of areas with mismatching identities has been instrumental in this process. Finally, the Hogeland case potentially exemplifies how municipal mergers can facilitate the construction of new meaningful regions.
date: 2020
pages: 89
thesis_type: master
degree_programme: CG_TGP
tutors_name: Stoffelen, H.J.W.
tutors_organization: Fac. Ruimtelijke wetenschappen, Basiseenheid Culturele Geografie
tutors_email: H.J.W.Stoffelen@rug.nl
security: validuser
keywords_local: Resistance
keywords_local: Sticky regions
keywords_local: Municipal amalgamations
keywords_local: Regional identity
keywords_local: Collective memories
keywords_local: Regional consciousness
language_iso: en
agreed_repository: yes
date_issued: 2020-07-15
citation:   Kamminga, O.R.J.  (2020) Incorporation of identity discourses in newly amalgamated municipalities: insights in Het Hogeland, the Netherlands.  Master thesis.   
document_url: https://frw.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/3225/1/Final_Master_Thesis_OscarKamminga_S2736381_Regional_Identity_Het_Hogeland_070720.pdf