A Social and Cultural Planning Bureau (SCP) study found that most people in the Netherlands do not feel disadvantaged, but a substantial minority does. Perceived disadvantage was most common in housing, cited by 30% of respondents, and political representation, cited by 28%. The study was based mainly on a representative survey of 1,239 adults and four focus-group discussions involving 31 people.

People with vocational secondary education (MBO), both with and without a migration background, shared concerns about housing, work and insufficient political attention, but often believed the other group received preferential treatment. They also expressed doubts about judicial independence. The SCP reported that people who feel disadvantaged are more often in less favourable positions in areas such as housing and employment, and may also have lower incomes, weaker networks or poorer health. Most respondents said they felt neither disadvantaged nor privileged.