Enterprise discourses in Dutch urban policies; a comparison between two cities in the Netherlands. Issue 1 (1st January 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Al Sader, Nuha; Kleinhans, Reinout; Van Ham, Maarten
• Is Part Of: Urban research & practice. Volume 15:Issue 1(2022)
• Page Start: 47
• Page End: 70
• Publication Date: 2022-01-01
• Subjects: Enterprise language -- critical discourse analysis -- urban policy -- entrepreneurial cities -- entrepreneurial citizens; Sociology, Urban -- Periodicals; 307.7605
• DOI: 10.1080/17535069.2020.1714710
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1753-5069

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Local governments make use of 'enterprise language' to encourage citizens to adopt entrepreneurial behaviour in managing their daily lives and solving problems that emerge in their neighbourhood. In this paper, we examine the use of enterprise language and the promotion of enterprise in Dutch urban policy focusing specifically on how Dutch cities use enterprise language to influence and encourage their inhabitants to undertake entrepreneurial action. Our analysis shows how the language of enterprise helps cities to reinforce a local identity, to legitimize institutional change in local government functioning and to formulate expectations of how citizens (and professionals) should behave.