6. In conclusion

CBS has decided to replace a system of classification based on the concepts ‘western/non-western’ and ‘first and second generation’ with a classification consisting of two main categories: ‘born in the Netherlands or abroad’ and ‘origin based on continents’. From the start of 2022, the new classification will be gradually implemented in statistics, StatLine tables and other publications.

The decision to adopt this new classification does not mean that it will be the only classification used by CBS. If warranted by the research question or more appropriate to the type of study being carried out, another classification may be used.