Authors

• Centre for Finnish Business and Policy Studies (EVA)
• Yhdyskuntatutkimus

Keywords

European Union, Finland, attitudes, economic and social development, environment, national economy, national identity, occupational life, political parties, social welfare

Abstract

The survey studied Finnish values and attitudes. The respondents were asked to what extent they agreed with a number of statements relating to political parties, science and technology, EU membership referendum, equality between men and women, the media, national economy, unemployment, income disparity, entrepreneurship, workers' participation, trade unions, decision-making, economic depression, Finnish culture, people's happiness, democracy, immigration, environmental protection, public services, national and European identity, attitudes towards foreigners, presidential powers, etc. Views on welfare society were charted. One theme focused on which political party was the most able to deal with certain issues (e.g. improve national economy, pilot Finland through the economic recession, handle social security or taxation, or promote national consensus). Views on what are the characteristic features of the Finns were studied. The respondents were also asked how likely it was that certain things would happen in working life and employment in the next few years (e.g. decision-making will become more democratic in workplaces). Views on what issues Finland should promote as an EU member were charted.

Background variables included the respondent's gender, age group, size of municipality of residence, province of residence, main economic activity, basic and vocational education, trade union membership, industry of employment, self-perceived social class, which party the respondent would vote if the parliamentary elections were held at that time, and whether R had voted for or against Finland's EU membership in the referendum.