For most Dutch people (73%), meaning plays a role in their lives. Connectedness with others, meaningful actions and living according to values and ideals are important meaning-givers for most Dutch people. This is evident from research by IPSOS commissioned by Trouw. This meaning is also important for how to fill the available free time.
The concept of 'meaning' is interpreted in different ways by the respondents in the IPSOS study. However, there are several similarities in the definition that people use:
- Connectedness: Across the board, people indicate that connectedness to others is an important factor. This can be in the form of family, friends, or the wider community. People find meaning in caring for others, sharing experiences, and contributing to a larger whole.
- Meaningful action: Dutch people find meaning in activities that they experience as meaningful. This can range from work and hobbies to volunteering and raising children. It is about the feeling that you are doing something that matters, that has a positive impact on yourself or on others.
- Values and ideals: Meaning is often tied to personal values and ideals. People find meaning in life by acting on their beliefs, whether they are religious, moral, or socially oriented. It is about pursuing something that you find important, that gives you a sense of direction and purpose.
Six types of meaning
In his book * Waarom ben ik hier? Een korte wereldgeschiedenis van zingeving* (Why Am I Here? A Short World History of Meaning-Making), Rens Bod distinguishes various forms of meaning-making which, in a second stage, were linked to meaning-making types together with Trouw editor Henk Steenhuis. Ipsos I&O translated this into a questionnaire for this study. Six of these types are included in this study. Namely:
- the artistic seeker of meaning (people who find meaning in experiencing and creating beauty)
- the rational seeker of meaning (people who experience meaning through thinking)
- the practical meaning seeker (people who experience meaning by doing things)
- the moral meaning seeker (people who experience meaning by pursuing what is morally right)
- the spiritual seeker of meaning (people who experience meaning by searching for 'the higher')
- the emotional meaning seeker (people who experience meaning through relationships with others).
Source and more information: www.ipsos-publiek.nl/actueel/zeven-op-tien-nederlanders-zoeken-naar-zin
Meaning and free time
The search for meaning has a unique significance for virtually every individual. This meaningful use of leisure time is highly valued by a very large group of people. Traditionally, religion has been an important form of finding meaning. In the IPSOS study, however, that segment has since been surpassed in size by other forms of finding meaning. Focusing on the search for meaning aligns well with Pine and Gillmore’s Experience Economy theory, in which life-changing experiences (transformations) are valued the most. According to this theory, those who can help their guests grow – partly through a sense of meaning – create the most valuable experiences.
In the recreation sector, we see that acquiring knowledge and experiences is already regularly included in the range of recreation companies. Guests return enriched from their trip to countries with special cultures and nature experiences; but also after an educational trip to a science center, castle or zoo. Also 'offering beautiful experiences for others' is a characteristic that affects the recreation sector; Quality time with the family is a reason for many people to go out. Creativity is often in the hobby sphere and is often practiced at home.
editors Pretwerk.nl