KNAW Funds Thorbecke Social Rights Research

'Thorbecke is mainly known as the architect of the 1848 Constitution in the Netherlands. Less well known is that he also devoted considerable thought to poverty, education and socioeconomic security as prerequisites for political equality and full citizenship. This research aims to explore this lesser-known aspect of his work in greater depth and connect it to contemporary constitutional debates on socioeconomic security,' Pinto e Netto explains.

'For Thorbecke, socioeconomic security was a prerequisite for political equality.'

From research stay to independent line of research

The basis for the research proposal was laid during Pinto e Netto's research stay at University College London, made possible through a Starter Grant. According to Pinto e Netto, the grant allowed her to develop an independent line of research and explore new scholarly questions. That academic freedom provided the basis for the current project and has since led to new externally funded research initiatives. 'For me, a Starter Grant is above all an investment in academic freedom and innovation.'

In her research, Pinto e Netto focuses on the role of social rights within the Dutch constitutional tradition. Although social rights are often associated with issues in the Global South, she argues that they are highly relevant in the Netherlands as well, particularly in light of growing inequality, the housing crisis, and the ongoing debate on constitutional review.

Her research explores how social rights operate within the Dutch legal order and the role played by institutions such as Parliament and the Council of State. The findings are intended not only to contribute to the national debate, but also to the international discourse on social rights.

'Developing your own line of research and writing an application is not self-evident. That's precisely why I'm delighted that we've received this KNAW funding,' Pinto e Netto says.

'For me, a Starter Grant is above all an investment in academic freedom and innovation.'

Previous international conference

The research already attracted attention during a conference organised by Pinto e Netto in September 2025, with the 'working group on social rights under the Netherlands Network for Human Rights Research', when researchers from the Netherlands and abroad gathered in Leiden. One important conclusion that emerged from the contributions was that fundamental social rights are not just policy goals or political promises, but essential parts of a constitutional democracy.

Sharing knowledge and encouraging debate

As part of the project, a concluding conference, expert meeting or symposium will be held at the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW). The research team intends to use this event to share its findings and encourage further debate on social rights and Thorbecke's constitutional legacy.