Tekijät

• Högbacka, Riitta (University of Helsinki. Institute for Rural Research and Training, Mikkeli)

Asiasanat

countryside, domestic responsibilities, farms, happiness, housing, quality of life, rural areas, rural population, social networks, voluntary work, women, women's employment, women's role

Sisällön kuvaus

The survey charted women's role and work in different types of rural areas. First, the respondents' economic activity and paid job were studied with questions about occupation, location of workplace, extra income and occasional work. Those who received their income from agriculture specified their farm's production lines and division of labour. Domestic work was queried on by asking the respondents about domestic responsibilities and care of dependants. The respondents also assessed division of duties within the family and household.

The respondents' social networks were examined with versatile sets of questions. For example, the women told whether several generations lived under one roof and how often they visited or talked on the phone with their relatives, neighbours and friends. The survey also charted mutual assistance and exchange economy in a circle of friends. Some questions focused on women's participation in organisational activities, voluntary work and holding official positions in rural areas.

Household's income and debt burden were studied. Housing situation was examined by asking about the type and size of accommodation and standard of equipment. The respondents were asked to assess distance to the nearest neighbour and town. In conclusion, the respondents' quality of life was surveyed with a set of questions pertaining to satisfaction, happiness, loneliness, and different kinds of symptoms. The respondents also evaluated the importance of certain things, for example, family, environment, own health and hobbies. Background variables included the respondent's region of residence, year of birth, basic and vocational education, marital status, household composition, economic activity and location of workplace. Partner's year of birth, basic and vocational education and economic activity were also investigated.