Cookies

Like most websites, the website of the University of Humanistic Studies uses cookies. Dutch regulations require websites to ask for approval the first time the site is visited. More information

Yes, I accept cookiesPreferences
EN NL

Anja Machielse: 'Loneliness and social isolation hold a mirror up to society'


11 October 2023


Philosopher Prof Anja Machielse has been dealing with loneliness and social isolation for more than 25 years. In her farewell speech, delivered on 11 October 2023, she tries to broaden our understanding of this and argues for a resilient society. "Loneliness is mostly framed in individual terms, while it is also about functioning or not functioning in a social system." Read more about Afvallers en afhakers. Over eenzaamheid, sociaal isolement en een weerbare samenleving (Quitters and dropouts. On loneliness, social isolation and a resilient society) and download the speech.


In recent years, loneliness and social isolation have been seen as a public issue. Since 2018, there has been an 'Action Programme One Against Loneliness' under the direction of the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport. There is a national office with ambassadors and advisers who help municipalities set up local coalitions against loneliness. There are campaigns to make citizens aware of loneliness, and projects to tackle loneliness and isolation are springing up like mushrooms.


Despite these efforts, loneliness in the Netherlands has hardly declined and a substantial proportion of citizens live in social isolation. Anja Machielse: "In government policy, loneliness and social isolation are mainly framed in individual terms, while hardly any attention is paid to the social system in which people function. As a result, we look for solutions to individual problems and do nothing to improve the conditions of people who are lonely." 

Balance

In her lecture, Anja Machielse shows which factors at the society level are important for understanding loneliness and social isolation. She argues that people's fundamental need to be connected to others is not fulfilled as a matter of course in modern times and that social functioning requires more competences than before. We also have to relate to social expectations and regulations that are often very coercive. People who struggle to gain a foothold in this context may become lonely and withdraw from society.


Finding the right balance between individuality and expectations and pressure from society requires resilience. Anja Machielse: "Resilience is not an individual trait but a concept that takes shape and content in the social context in which people live." She argues for a resilient society that includes and accepts all people, even if they do not cope well with the challenges of modern times. From this perspective, loneliness and social isolation hold up a mirror to society. The large numbers of dropouts and dropouts are a signal to take action and work on resilient social connections. Educational institutions can play a crucial role in this, according to Machielse. 


PDF fileDownload lecture (in Dutch)


Prof Anja Machielse is Professor of Humanism and Social Resilience, and Endowed Professor of Social Resilience of Older Adults at the University of Humanistic Studies. Her research focuses on the importance of social relationships, both in personal life and for the wider community. Key themes include social isolation, loneliness, social resilience, existential problems and questions of meaning. She is a member of the Scientific Advisory Committee (ASC) that advises on the One Against Loneliness action programme.

Philosopher Prof Anja Machielse has been dealing with loneliness and social isolation for more than 25 years. In her farewell lecture, delivered on 11 October 2023, she tries to broaden our understanding of this and argues for a resilient society. "Loneliness is mostly framed in individual terms, while it is also about functioning or not functioning in a social system."