Dissent is Democracy; Measuring is Knowing

Dissent is Democracy; Measuring is Knowinge

June 5, 2024

"Meten is weten" (Measuring is knowing) is a Dutch saying repeated uncritically for over 25 years. However, I lean more towards holistic observation and reflection. I resonate more with the saying, "There are three kinds of lies: lies, damned lies, and statistics."

After a long wait, on June 4, 2024, the first results of Senso 2023 (the census) were published. Initially, I was incredibly excited, but that soon turned into disappointment. Why? Statistics, and oadly align with what you already know. The first thing that I found puzzling was a population growth of more than 3.5%, while the population register has declined for years. Additionally, the report mentions that only those who participated are included in the results, but it does not state how many people did not participate.

Still, when I try to look beyond these issues, the results do confirm a recognizable picture. We are aging; we are now the fastest-aging country within the kingdom. Our unemployment rate has decreased, partly because many have retired. However, how does this explain the decline in youth unemployment? There is much to analyze, but how clear is the snapshot?

The fact is, a lot of hard work went into the census.

As we scrutinize the census results, it's crucial to maintain a critical perspective. While statistics offer valuable insights, they are not infallible. The discrepancies between the census data and the population register highlight the need for careful analysis and contextual understanding.

Our demographic shift towards an aging population presents both challenges and opportunities. The decline in youth unemployment, despite an aging workforce, suggests that we may be seeing shifts in the job market or improvements in youth engagement and employment programs. These trends require deeper investigation to understand the underlying causes and long-term implications.

In a democratic society, dissent and critical reflection are essential. While statistics provide a foundation for understanding societal trends, we must question and validate these figures to ensure they accurately reflect reality. The work put into the census is commendable, but it is only the beginning. True understanding comes from a holistic approach, combining quantitative data with qualitative insights.

Miguel Goede