Deelnemersonderzoek sociaal-cultureel volwassenenwerk: De waarde van en betekenis van deelname voor de participant

This research consisted of both a quantitative and qualitative component. The quantitative component collected data from 4,221 participants via an online survey – available in five languages (Dutch, English, French, Turkish, and Arabic). Participants were approached through a representative sample of 34 recognised organisations. The qualitative component included in-depth interviews with 19 participants and a roundtable discussion with 7 professionals from the socio-cultural sector. We aimed for a high level of variation within the group of respondents to represent as many different voices as possible.

Key Findings

1. The average age of all participants in socio-cultural adult work is now almost 64 years old. There has been an increase in participant age since the previous survey in 2010, when the average age, depending on the type of organisation, was between 45 and 55 years.
2. Compared to the entire Flemish population, women are clearly overrepresented among participants (63.2%).
3. Participants in socio-cultural adult work tend to be relatively well-educated: 58% hold a higher education diploma. This percentage has increased since 2010, which can be attributed to the general rise in educational attainment in society. However, there are differences depending on the focus and type of socio-cultural organisation.
4. Nearly one in ten participants (9.3%) in socio-cultural adult work report that they find it difficult or very difficult to make ends meet with their current income. This percentage is similar to that of the general population in Flanders. However, there are differences depending on the focus and type of organisation. For example, organisations that focus on inclusivity have more participants who report financial difficulties.
5. Although their share has increased, participants with a migration background still make up a minority in socio-cultural adult work (9.6%). However, there are significant regional differences.
6. The frequency of participation varies greatly among participants. Nearly a quarter of all participants take part in socio-cultural activities multiple times a month. Four out of ten participants take part more than once a year but less than monthly. A significant portion (21%) participated only once in the previous year or even less frequently. The decision to participate is partly individual, but the surrounding environment also plays an important role.
7. Membership in socio-cultural organisations is still quite common in this sector. Membership often follows participation, rather than being a precondition or motivation for it.
8. Every participation begins with a spark of interest. In this study, we identify three levels at which this spark can arise: the individual level, the interpersonal or network level, and the societal level.
9. Participation patterns in socio-cultural adult work are so diverse that they cannot be easily placed on a single ‘ladder’ from low to high involvement. Therefore, this study presents a participation grid with four dimensions: engagement, involvement, time, and place. This grid helps to position and compare an individual’s or group’s participation, and also to track developments over time.
10. Nearly three in ten respondents (29%) not only take part in activities but also help shape them as activity volunteers or board members. The proportion of volunteers varies significantly depending on the type of organisation.
11. Finally, we observe that socio-cultural participation often works cumulatively. Participation in one socio-cultural organisation frequently leads to participation in other organisations, both within and outside the sector of government-recognised bodies. Notably, cumulative participation can also lead to so-called “over-participation” and civic burnout, as highlighted by the qualitative component of the research.
12. Socio-cultural work encompasses a wide variety of activities, formats, and themes.
13. Our study reveals that there are four main motivational dimensions for participants: self-development, social interaction, altruism, and relaxation. Rarely is there just one single motive for participation. Participants tend to combine motivations. However, the desire to acquire new knowledge and skills is prevalent among the majority of participants. These motivations vary depending on the type of activity and organisation, and are also linked to the socio-demographic characteristics of participants and their stage of life.
14. The significance and value of participating in socio-cultural activities include: meeting people with shared interests, learning new things, meeting people one would not otherwise encounter, having fun and relaxing, and contributing positively to something important.
15. Our study shows that participants in socio-cultural activities often struggle to fully ‘see’ and understand the entire socio-cultural sector. However, many participants are familiar with multiple recognised organisations. On average, a participant is aware of about 30 of the 130 recognised organisations.
16. Based on the results, the study makes six recommendations and highlights key points for both practice and policy. Organisations and policymakers should take several factors into account: the average age of participants, the continued underrepresentation of certain groups, the decreasing number of unconditional and ‘lifelong’ participants, the cumulative nature of participation, the fact that participation is often less individual and more collective than previously thought, and finally, the increasing importance of personal motivations for participation.