We are looking for a candidate for a PhD project titled “Corporatism and Wellbeing. A Historical Analysis of the Corporatism: Its Functioning, Development and Wellbeing Effects.” The aim of the project is to study the change in corporatism (also referred to as the associative order or coordinated market economy) and the effect of this change on the wellbeing of the Dutch society in the period between 1870 and 2020.

Economies can be coordinated in different ways: via the market (competition), via the state (centralized regulation), or via corporatism (cooperation between economic agents - unions, cooperatives, mutuals, state, and businesses). This variety in the coordination types determines how the resources are distributed within societies. They have direct consequences for citizens’ wellbeing like their access to education, health infrastructure, or income. However, due to the lack of systematic historical research, sound analyses of whether and how the coordination of economies changes, and how this affects societal wellbeing are largely missing. To address this gap, the PhD project will focus on the dynamics of the Dutch economy over the twentieth century, which is characterized by a continuous fluctuation in the mix of market, corporatism and state. It will answer three research questions: 1) when and how a shift between economic orders took place (in the mix of market, state and corporatism); 2) when and how transitions took place in the internal functioning of the corporatism (from inclusive, broad cooperation to oligarchy); and 3) how did these changes in the economic order influence the wellbeing of Dutch society during the twentieth century, especially during the three major economic crises.

To answer these questions, the PhD candidate will be responsible for collecting information on the characteristics of the corporatism and the wellbeing outcomes in the Dutch economy. The project will use both quantitative primary and secondary sources and qualitative historical sources such as annual reports, newspapers, and minutes. Supervision will be provided by prof. Bas van Bavel (supervisor), dr. Selin Dilli (co-supervisor), and prof. Rafael Wittek (supervisor).

The project is part of the NOW Gravitation Programme SCOOP: Roadmaps to Resilient Societies. SCOOP is a research and training centre dedicated to the inter- and transdisciplinary study of sustainable cooperation as a key feature of resilient societies. SCOOP brings together researchers of the University of Groningen, Utrecht University, VU Amsterdam, Erasmus University Rotterdam, and Radboud University Nijmegen. The PhD candidate will participate in the SCOOP PhD training programme.

Click here for a detailed project description of the PhD project.

The ideal candidate has:

• (almost) finished a (research) master's degree in the domain of (economic, political or social) history, or a related discipline;
• a solid training in one of the two research methods (quantitative or qualitative) and willingness to get acquainted with (the basics of) the other method;
• familiarity with historical sources and historical research skills;
• eagerness to learn to work in an interdisciplinary research team and to conduct interdisciplinary research in the SCOOP programme;
• an excellent academic record;
• eagerness to publish international articles and write a dissertation;
• good social and communication skills;
• excellent command of English and academic writing skills;
• (preferably) working Dutch language skills.

We offer a temporary position (1.0 FTE) for a period of 18 months. Upon a good performance and positive evaluation, the contract will be extended for the remaining period of 30 months (4 years in total). The gross salary ranges between €2,443 in the first year and €3,122 in the fourth year (scale P according to the Collective Labour Agreement Dutch Universities) per month for a full-time employment. Salaries are supplemented with a holiday bonus of 8% and a year-end bonus of 8.3% per year. In addition, Utrecht University offers excellent secondary conditions, including an attractive retirement scheme, (partly paid) parental leave and flexible employment conditions (multiple choice model). More information about working at Utrecht University can be found here.

A better future for everyone. This ambition motivates our scientists in executing their leading research and inspiring teaching. At Utrecht University, the various disciplines collaborate intensively towards major societal themes. Our focus is on Dynamics of Youth, Institutions for Open Societies, Life Sciences and Sustainability.

The Faculty of Humanities has around 6,000 students and 900 staff members. It comprises four knowledge domains: Philosophy and Religious Studies, History and Art History, Media and Culture Studies, and Languages, Literature and Communication. With its research and education in these fields, the faculty aims to contribute to a better understanding of the Netherlands and Europe in a rapidly changing social and cultural context. The enthusiastic and committed colleagues and the excellent amenities in the historical city center of Utrecht, where the faculty is housed, contribute to an inspiring working environment.