Kinderzegen of bekering, verlate verzuiling, 'horzelprik' of cultureel conservatisme? Kanttekeningen bij de groei van de protestants-christelijke partijen in Nederland

Whereas Christian Democracy has lost support in The Netherlands, the three Orthodox Protestant parties GPV (Gereformeerd Politiek Verbond), RPF (Reformatorische Politieke Federatie) and SGP (Staatkundig Gereformeerde Partij) have expanded their electorate as well as their membership in recent decades. Their relative success can be explained by four factors : (1) growth of the Orthodox Protestant churches, due to high birth rates and (to a lesser extent) conversion; (2) pillarization : while the larger Protestant (and Catholic) networks of organisations and newspapers are disintegrating, the smaller Orthodox Protestant pillars have gained strength; (3) some Christian Democrats may vote for the Orthodox Protestant parties to teach their party a lesson if it appears to neglect its Christian principles : (4) even some secular voters may vote for the Orthodox Protestant parties because they share its cultural conservatism. The available data do not allow us to reject any of the four explanations.