Authors

• Blom, Raimo (University of Tampere. Department of Sociology and Social Psychology)
• Melin, Harri (University of Tampere. Department of Sociology and Social Psychology)
• Nikula, Jouko (University of Tampere. Department of Sociology and Social Psychology)

Keywords

associations, domestic responsibilities, employment, job characteristics, job satisfaction, leisure time, occupational status, social change, social status, social structure, standard of living, trust, unemployment, working conditions, workloads

Abstract

The survey focused on occupational structure and change in social class in Finland. The nature of the respondents' working environment was studied with questions about whether the respondents worked alone or with others, the gender of colleagues, use of computers, and chances of promotion. Entrepreneurs and farmers were also asked to name factors affecting the firm's/estate's profitability and to assess their future prospects. The nature of work was studied by enquiring whether the respondents were able to plan their own work, whether they had any supervisory duties, and how many levels of management there were at the workplace. Statements of various kinds were used to evaluate work satisfaction. In addition, the respondents were enquired how strenuous and hectic their work was. Career development was studied by asking, for instance, about the respondents' first professions, unemployment, and intentions to change jobs. Educational aspects were covered by asking about the degrees the respondents had taken, and whether their job matched their education. Marital status and spouse's professional status were queried, as well as who took care of home-related responsibilities. Leisure time activities were mapped by asking the respondents to tell about their social activities, and how much time they spent on travelling and restaurants. In addition, attitudes towards income disparity, willingness to work, and social classes were monitored. Finally, there were a few questions regarding the respondents' childhood, habitation, economic situation, and future plans.

Background variables included the respondent's gender, year of birth, occupation, own and spouse's occupational status, industry of employment, employer type, size of workforce, monthly salary, type of contract (working hours, full-time or part-time, basis of wage payment), education, number of children, and marital status.