ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses some general characteristics of local identities. It shows that in the local population there is a widespread agreement on what characterises their local identity, but that they differ widely in their valuation of this identity. The fishing tradition is linked to the continued importance of values related to self-reliance in the provision of livelihood and based on a shared mentality of hard work within the local community. In Katwijk, dealing with different valuations of the dominant local identity has become part of a shared secondary identity within the municipality. Migration is an important element in the construction and use of local identities. The upscaling of the conflict arena enables some groups to use their links with powerful groups or individuals at higher spatial scales to improve their position locally. The neighbourhood of Katwijk Noord was built in the late 1960s to alleviate the housing shortages in Katwijk aan Zee.
