Why does one want to know so much about another?
Today I read a blog by Hans about big data. How this went 80 years ago and how we're working on data now. Although I still need to install my video card and can't watch TV programs back (not even Zembla, which Hans mentioned in his blog) I do have my thoughts about the data I am asked for, especially when it comes to my son and certain registrations.
Where does it start?
When you have children, they must be registered in the registry office. First name, surname, gender, country of origin parents, nationality, date of birth and time boy or girl. Each time you register at a preschool or school, you must enter your child's nationality and your own nationality. They would also like to know what your religious background and the job of the parent (s) are. They want as much information as possible to get a good picture of your child. In the case of children for special (basic) education there is also the declaration of admissibility of the association. Just as easily put it: the statement of an institution in the region that deals with the placement of children with disabilities in any kind of way.
Is it necessary?
Actually, that's a lot of data people want. Why is it not enough to get the name, surname, sex and age. Yes it is useful to know if a child still has both parents and nowadays it is also useful to know if you have to send mail to 1 or 2 addresses but to ask for a religious background right now I think it goes a bit far. Especially if it's the only school in the area where your child can go. Just like questions about the education or work of the parent (s) don't we go a little too far in this?
More info...
To start with the parents' work. I feel so portrayed as an “unemployed” mother. You have no work and then you just need to fill out??? The fact that I don't have a job has several reasons and I'm not happy about that. In addition, it does not really matter to many aid agencies, school or kindergarten. Then give a decent choice if you choose to stay at home for your child or if the situation develops in such a way that it is better to be there for your child. It feels so stigmatizing for me to have to fill in such a form.
What is personal and what is needed
When I get to the point of religion, I get to a more dangerous point because what happens when you fill out that you're a Muslim? Are you still mistaken for full because often the prejudice is that these people come from non-western countries and speak poorly Dutch. In addition, you also hear too often that Islam is a threat to our culture and that this religion does not belong here. I also find questioning the nationality of the parents and the child questionable. If you want to help the child in the development, ask if it is Dutch, the first language and if the child speaks or understands Dutch. As parents, you can also indicate whether there are gaps in this or not. I think there are enough parents with a migration background/origin who give their children Dutch as the first language and give another language as a second language.