Growing up with Radicalized Parents: The Experiences of Dutch Children of NSB and SS members During and After World War II

Abstract

The primary aim of this study was to investigate the experiences of Dutch children whose parents joined the SS or NSB (a political party that collaborated with Nazi Germany) during World War II, linked to their childhood, adulthood or both. As a secondary aim, it explored the recommendations of these –now elderly- children of NSB and SS members for the (re)integration of minor returnees from the caliphate, who also grew up in a war situation with radicalized parents and have to deal with considerable prejudice and different norms and values upon their (re)integration into Dutch society. The first three research questions are related to the primary aim of this study and focus on 1) the participants' experiences throughout childhood and adulthood, 2) the implications of these experiences for their well-being throughout childhood and adulthood, and 3) their coping responses in response to these experiences throughout childhood and adulthood. The fourth research question is related to the secondary aim of this study and concerns 4) participants' recommendations for the succesful (re)integration of current minor returnees. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 17 Dutch -now elderly- children of NSB or SS members during World War II. Interview questions were based on recurring topics in the literature, a codebook was generated, and the verbatim transcribed interviews were scored using Atlas.ti 8. Frequently reported codes are described and discussed in relation to each other. Participants reported social exclusion, being separated from their parents, and family secrecy as frequent experiences, which had severe implications for their identity development, self-esteem, and family relationships. Their coping responses included reappraisal, active (e.g., searching information) and avoidant (e.g., merel socially desirable) coping behaviour. Participants’ main recommendations for minor returnees from the caliphate included transparency within families about the past, a focus on social (re)integration, and respecting minor returnees’ loyalty to their parents. The participants' childhood experiences had serious effects on their well-being, starting in childhood and often lasting well into adulthood. Many participants sought professional support throughout their lives, but eventually found recognition only after sharing their experiences in a self-help group for Dutch children of NSB and SS members. We conclude that the insights gained from participants’experiences and their recommendations for the (re)integration of minor returnees are valuable, especially since there is still little research available on the development and experiences of minor returnees.