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

European Union, Finland, attitudes, citizenship, ethnic groups, foreigners, immigrants, immigration policy, internationalism, migrants, national identity, national pride, nationality, prejudice, social attitudes

Abstract

The main topics of the year 2003 survey covered national consciousness, national identity and attitudes towards home country and immigrants. Respondents were asked which groups are important to them in describing who they are. Pertaining to national identity, respondents were asked how close they felt to their municipality of residence, region, Finland and Europe. Views were probed on which things are important for being Finnish. Feelings of solidarity towards Finland were assessed. Respondents evaluated the degree of national pride they feel towards Finland's accomplishments in the following areas: democracy, international political influence, economic achievements, social security, science and technology, sports, arts and literature, armed forces, history, equality. The survey carried a set of attitudinal questions relating to Finland's relations to other countries, free trade, the power of international bodies, purchase of land by foreigners, national programs and films on television, and the Internet. Some statements charted respondents' opinions on whether ethnic and racial minorities should preserve their own customs and traditions. Attitudes towards immigrants and immigration were also studied.

Respondents' citizenship and the citizenship of their parents were surveyed. One theme pertained to who should have the right to Finnish citizenship. Overall national pride, and languages spoken at home were charted. EU issues were studied by asking how much respondents know about the European Union, and does Finland benefit from its membership, should the country comply with EU decisions even when in disagreement, should EU have more power than the national governments, and whether respondents would vote for or against Finland's membership at that moment.

Background variables included respondent's sex, year of birth, marital status, education, occupation, employment status, hours worked, trade union membership, employer type, industry of employment, political identification, religious activity, membership in a church or other religious community, social class, household and personal income, household size and composition and type of neighbourhood. Background variables included also the spouse's education, occupation, hours worked, employer type, and industry of employment.