Tekijät

• Pehkonen, Juhani (TNS Gallup Finland)
• Kääriäinen, Kimmo (Church Research Institute)

Asiasanat

abortion, education, environmental degradation, ethics, families, happiness, immigration, labour and employment, living conditions, marriage, moral values, political attitudes, poverty, prejudice, religious communities, satisfaction, spouses, trust, unemployment, values, voluntary work

Sisällön kuvaus

The survey charted a variety of values, attitudes and life situations of Finnish people. The respondents rated the importance of various domains in life (e.g. family, work, leisure time). The survey also investigated whether the respondents belonged to any voluntary organisations and participated in their activities. In addition, the respondents indicated whether they discussed politics with their friends and whether they were willing to participate financially in reducing the pollution of the environment. The respondents were asked to tell how often they see their friends and colleagues. In relation to prejudices against different groups with various characteristics, the respondents were asked which groups they would not like to have as neighbours (e.g. people of a different race, drug addicts, immigrants, homosexuals). Further questions covered general trust or mistrust of people. Views were also probed on happiness, objectives, satisfaction with life, and whether the respondents felt that they have completely free choice and control over their lives. The respondents were asked to name the most important and the second most important reason for poverty out of four alternatives.

There were several questions relating to working life in the survey. One theme pertained to which aspects the respondents considered important in a job (e.g. good pay, nice workmates). Satisfaction with work and freedom in decision-making were canvassed, as well as general attitudes towards working or freedom from work. The respondents were also asked whether it is justifiable to favour Finns or men for employees when jobs are scarce.

Attitudes towards the church were charted, as well as religious behaviour, beliefs, and whether the respondents belonged to any religious denominations or communities. Some questions charted the characteristics of a successful marriage and attitudes towards the significance of children, the working of mothers, abortion in different situations, and raising children. The respondents' political action was covered by asking, among other things, if they had participated in peaceful demonstrations or wildcat strikes. Political inclinations were surveyed, for instance, by asking the respondents to place themselves on the left-right axis. They were also asked questions about the responsibilities of the individual and the state, the responsibility of the unemployed to accept work, competition, state control of business, and income disparities. In addition, the respondents were asked to assess the aims of Finnish society and potential future changes in lifestyle. Confidence in various institutions in society was examined. The respondents were also asked to assess different political systems and political development. Acceptability and frequency of certain criminal, fraudulent or dubious activities and certain otherwise much debated issues were charted. Views on immigration were probed, as well as concerns about the living conditions of certain groups of people and the willingness to improve them.

Background variables included the respondent's gender, year of birth, marital status, number of children, level of education, size of municipality of residence, and region of residence.