The possibilities for developing a private life have increased. This more assertive citizen no longer accepts being treated as one of a crowd. People want to know why public authorities want to know such and such and to what end it will be used. The Dutch census of 1971 could only be carried through after extensive debate and will be the last one in the Netherlands. The German census of 1980 almost met the same fate.
Fewer people are willing to cooperate in surveys, especially in urban areas.
People have become much more selective in what they consider worthwhile becoming involved in and are wary of traditional forms of social engagement. This is a tall order, brought about by the shift in the objectives of the welfare state so eagerly embraced in the seventies. The agents of the welfare state mandated to achieve this are the providers of human services. But big brother is no longer trusted. Public life is perceived as an alienating force.