Academic Biography of Statesman P.J. Oud

I write a biography of progressive liberal Dutch statesman P.J. (Pieter) Oud (1886-1968), a man often described as the ‘conscience of parliament’. My main interest is to explore the ways in which political authority is constructed. My research shows how Oud built and deployed various resources, such as personal networks, education, and family wealth to become one of the leading politicians of his time. Oud’s career spanned half a century. Research on his (political) behaviour therefore highlights the ways in which an individual dealt with changes in democracy, new media, and (gendered) expectations of the ideal politician by the public.