- Advertisement -Pillarisation (verzuiling in Dutch) is one of the most distinctive (and fascinating) characteristics of Dutch history and society. The idea behind it is quite simple: Dutch society is divided into pillars, and each is characterised by a unique system of political and social organisation. The history of pillarisationLet’s go back to the end of the 19th century, when the division between the different religions in the Netherlands led to the development of pillarisation. Image: Johan Braakensiek/Wikimedia Commons/Public DomainConsequently, Dutch society was completely divided into different groups. As with most things, pillarisation in the Netherlands wasn’t black and white.