Leefwijzen

Leefwijzen is the plural of leefwijze, a Dutch term for the pattern of daily life or the way of living of individuals or groups. A leefwijze encompasses routines, values, norms, social roles, housing, work, leisure, and consumption. It is a multidimensional concept used in sociology, anthropology, urban planning and public health to describe how people organize their time and resources, and how these choices relate to broader social structures such as class, gender, ethnicity, religion, and geography.

Leefwijzen emerge from and adapt to socioeconomic conditions, cultural traditions and technological developments. They can be broadly categorized into different types or typologies, such as traditional versus modern, rural versus urban, consumerist versus frugal, or health-conscious versus risk-taking. However, actual leefwijzen are diverse and overlapping; categories are simplifications used for analysis and policy.

Key determinants include income, education, housing, employment, family composition, and access to transport and information. Behaviors linked to leefwijzen include diet, mobility, housing standards, energy use, digital engagement, and social participation. Changes over time—urbanization, globalization, digitalization, and shifting norms—can alter leefwijzen at individual and community levels.

Researchers measure leefwijzen with surveys, time-use diaries, ethnographic observation, and administrative data, often aiming to understand social inequality, environmental impact or public health outcomes. While useful for analysis, the concept is descriptive and context-dependent and should be interpreted with awareness of cultural and temporal variation.