Framing of track policy (Spoorwisselbeleid) and public acceptance in The Netherlands

This study examines how the public´s approval of a track change policy—an alternative to the return of undocumented migrants to the Netherlands—is influenced by humanitarian and utilitarian framing. A randomized experimental vignette study was shared among Dutch residents to assess their attitudes regarding the implementation of track change policy. The results of the study show that, in contrast to predictions, there were no appreciable variations in public acceptance between utilitarian and humanitarian framings, with the exception of attitudes regarding integration difficulties. The study's internal validity is supported by statistical analyses, which include t-tests and control variables for demographic factors. Notwithstanding many drawbacks, including sample bias and the possible oversimplification of vignette-based techniques, the research offers insightful insights about policy framing and acceptance.