Authors

• International Social Survey Programme (ISSP)
• Blom, Raimo (University of Tampere. Department of Sociology and Social Psychology)
• Melin, Harri (University of Tampere. Department of Sociology and Social Psychology)
• Tanskanen, Eero (Statistics Finland)

Keywords

family members, friends, happiness, interpersonal relations, personal contact, sociability, social networks, social participation, social support, workplace relations

Abstract

The national survey canvassed social networks of the Finns. The respondents were asked how often and in what manner they keep in touch with their parents, grown-up children or other relatives. The number of close friends, found through hobbies, organisational activities, the church or such, was also probed. The sex of the closest friend was asked, whether the friend is a relative, how often the respondent meets this friend, and whether they keep in touch in some other way. Participation in various organisations and associations was also monitored. Social Networks were further mapped by asking to whom the respondents would turn for help if they needed it due to illness or some other temporary impediment. Further questions asked from whom the respondents would borrow money, or who could help if they felt depressed. Another queston pertained to how often respondents themselves had lent a helping hand during the past 12 months. It was also asked how the respondents had heard of their present job. They finally assessed the qualities of their close friends, how important the named qualities are, how happy the respondents are, whether they trust people, and how much influence they think they have.

Background variables include respondent's gender, year of birth, marital status, education, occupation, occupational status, trade union membership, political views, social class, net income, spouse's profession, household income, number of family members, age of household members, type of the place of residence, and county of residence.