In the video series The Social Science of Amsterdam, six AISSR researchers reflect on ongoing research projects that are deeply embedded in urban life. The videos highlight how social science contributes to understanding and addressing key urban challenges, from social cohesion and inequality to family life, participation and sustainable mobility.

The videos were originally produced for the AISSR Harvest Day 2025 (4 December), where they formed the starting point for interactive workshops between researchers, students and practitioners. They now offer a broader view of how social science research engages with the city of Amsterdam in practice.

Citizen Participation in Local Decision-Making

Citizen participation is widely embraced in urban governance, but what happens when extensive participation still leaves residents feeling unheard?

In this video, Nanke Verloo, Associate Professor of Urban Politics & Planning, examines a contested participation process around the redevelopment of the Entreegebied Gulden Winckel in Amsterdam.

While residents like David Bosch were not opposed to new housing, many experienced frustration as key agreements were sidelined and major decisions appeared to have been made in advance.

Participation, Power and Conflict

Through long-term, transdisciplinary research, Verloo follows residents, civil servants and policymakers, including alderman Rutger Groot Wassink, to show how participation can turn into conflict, and why transparency about political agendas and decision-making power is crucial.

Rather than treating conflict as failure, the research highlights how difficult participation processes can lead to institutional learning and, unexpectedly, stronger neighbourhood ties.