Authors

• Finnish Business and Policy Forum (EVA)
• Yhdyskuntatutkimus

Keywords

attitudes, economics, entrepreneurs, environmental quality, equality between the sexes, foreigners, globalization, identity, integration, internationalism, occupational life, politics, social influence, social systems, social welfare philosophy, taxation, values, women's rights

Abstract

The survey charted Finnish attitudes and values. The respondents were presented with a series of attitudinal statements covering occupational life, work-life balance, social welfare, environmental issues, influencing, decision-making, political life, economy, globalisation, and political power. They were also asked how the government should prioritise different areas of its activity including employment, taxation, education, health care, environmental protection, social security, regional policy, and equality between men and women. The respondents also gave their opinions on whether different forces in society (e.g. labour movement, church, market forces, police, the media, citizens) have too much, just the right amount, or too little power.

The respondents' views on taxation were charted by asking them whether taxes are generally too high in Finland, whether the security and services in Finnish society received in exchange for taxes are sufficient, whether the total tax rate should be lowered to the average level of the EU countries, whether the focus of taxation should be shifted from work to consumption, and whether the respondents experience their taxation as unjust. Opinions on the most desirable, the least desirable, and the most likely government coalition were investigated. Views were also probed on the party affiliation of the next prime minister, and on how different values should be emphasised in developing Finnish society (e.g. social and economic equality, ability to undertake bold reforms, freedom of competition and entrepreneurship, individual responsibility for one's own welfare).

Opinions on women's position in the labour market were charted with the help of attitudinal statements. The respondents gave their views on whether women usually consider their decisions more carefully than men, whether female politicians are just as tough and calculating as their male co-workers, whether gender quotas should be used for instance in the management of enterprises, and whether it is wrong that women still do not always receive the same pay as men doing the same work. Finally, there were three questions on the EU membership, Euro, and EU enlargement.

Background variables included the respondent's gender, age group, size of municipality of residence, education, and industry of employment.