Chinese Dutchmen: from hospitality to applied university In 2011, the Dutch Agency for Socio-Cultural Planning presented a study of Chinese citizens of the Netherlands. Te 110.000-odd Chinese are faring well in the Netherlands, the study shows; in some aspects, even better than native Dutchmen and -women. One example is the fact that 85% of second-generation Chinese moves on to post-secondary education (compared to 59% of natives). Additionally, the second-generation is strongly represented in high-level functions, and knows only little unemployment (5%). Over half are best friends with a native Dutch person. And 20% no longer speak even a word of Chinese.

13% of the Chinese residents are entrepreneurs (compared to 7% for both Turkish and native Dutch residents). Two thirds of those enterprises are in the hospitality industry, 43% of whose employee records consist of employees with a Chinese background. Net labour participation is higher among the Chinese than among natives. Total unemployment is slightly higher compared to native Dutch people, but much lower compared to Turkish and Moroccan residents.

Te parents of the second generation, being the frst generation of Chinese in the Netherlands, struggle with the Dutch language and have relatively little contact with the natives. Chinese culture places great emphasis on education. Chinese parents feel hard work and good achievements are important. Tis is clearly a benefcial infuence on their children’s performance at school.

Less than half of Chinese residents of the Netherlands (very) strongly identifes with the Netherlands; the make relatively little use of Dutch media, do not participate much in the voluntary sector, and are not very frequently in contact with native Dutch people. Te concept of family occupies a central spot in their culture.

Additionally, the Chinese seem focussed more on their group of origin than on their country of origin. Homesickness and the desire to return to their native country are uncommon. Compared to other migrant groups, Chinese residents of the Netherlands feel more accepted. Tey also report less instances of discrimination.
Hofstede’s study indicates the following cultural diferences between the Netherlands, Hong Kong, Singapore, and China (see Table 8.2):
TABLE