Samenvatting

In Dutch healthcare a shift in discourse is taking place where the focus is moving from ‘disease and care’ to ‘health and behaviour’. If this change in language (thinking) is combined with changes in structure (organisation) and daily practices (doing) in healthcare it constitutes a societal transition. Using a discourse analysis combined with a transition perspective, we analyse this shift through the development and diffusion of the concept of Positive Health, which has developed from niche discourse to an important part of the national health policy. This article reflects on this successful integration in government policy and the applied (discursive) strategies to achieve legitimacy for Positive Health. Additionally, the question is posed if discursive change (strategies) can serve as a motor for transformative change.