This editorial offers an introduction to the current issue.

In the Netherlands, there are so called ‘emancipation policies’, ‘emancipation monitors’ and ‘emancipation ministers’ to address gender inequality. This article analyzes how the concept of emancipation emerges as norming policy category in the Netherlands by interpretive research on post-war emancipation policies. Through our analysis, we uncover that although understandings of emancipation evolve over time, public policies perpetuate an implicit norm with policy consequences. Drawing from these findings, we engage in critical reflection on the legitimacy of existing emancipation policies.

The number of people with dementia is growing rapidly due to population ageing. Several policy documents emphasize the importance of inter-organizational collaboration to deal with this increasing demand for care. Despite this aim, policy documents and interviews conclude that structural collaboration is difficult. This study answers the following research question: ‘How do experiences with collaboration in practice relate to principles in dementia policy documents?’ This question was answered in 39 interviews with national, regional and executive parties in the Netherlands and a policy analysis of the principles in the four most important dementia policy documents. Results show that despite the emphasis in policy documents on more collaboration, this is often not achieved in practice due to the lack of a clear governance structure and direction, due to the financing of individual organizations instead of collective activities and because cooperation between formal care parties and informal care providers is difficult. Furthermore, policy contrasts with practice in assumptions about the degree of independence of people with dementia, in assumptions about the interests of various parties and in a medical or social perspective on caring for people with dementia. This study concludes with recommendations to bridge the gap between policy and practice and to stimulate inter-organizational collaboration.

Reflection and debate initiates academically inspired discussions on issues that are on the current policy agenda.

Reflection and debate initiates academically inspired discussions on issues that are on the current policy agenda.

In this feature authors make a point about a socially relevant theme, building on or relating to existing scientific literature. The author may report on empirical work, but this is not required; the essay does not have to rely on its own data collection or material.

In this feature authors make a point about a socially relevant theme, building on or relating to existing scientific literature. The author may report on empirical work, but this is not required; the essay does not have to rely on its own data collection or material.

In this feature authors review recently published books on subjects of interest to readers of Beleid en Maatschappij.

The most relevant part of a discussion is not what is discussed but what cannot be spoken of. The real taboos are those for which it is taboo to call them taboos. The status quo defines itself as non-ideological while denouncing any challenge to itself as radical. Therefore the column ‘De blinde vlek’ frames the framers, politicizes the status quo and articulates what is not heard of.