Authors

• Bäck, Maria (University of Tampere. Faculty of Management)
• Kuha, Susanne (University of Tampere. Faculty of Management)
• Kurunsaari, Anni (University of Tampere. Faculty of Management)
• Mattinen, Laura (University of Tampere. Faculty of Management)
• Peltoniemi, Johanna (University of Tampere. Faculty of Management)
• Sandroos, Lotta (University of Tampere. Faculty of Management)
• Simi, Antti (University of Tampere. Faculty of Management)
• Sipinen, Josefina (University of Tampere. Faculty of Management)
• Tiihonen, Aino (University of Tampere. Faculty of Management)
• Tomperi, Tuuli (University of Tampere. Faculty of Management)

Keywords

fields of study, higher education institutions, occupational choice, political action, political attitudes, political behaviour, political participation, trust

Abstract

The main theme of this study was political orientation. The data were gathered as part of SUUNTA, a research project carried out by students within the degree programme in politics at the University of Tampere. The study charted political behaviour and attitudes among students of Tampere University of Applied Sciences.

Firstly, the presence of political matters in the respondents' daily lives and their interest in politics on a general level were charted. The participants were asked about societal matters and how often they were discussed at home, at school, with friends, with family, and in social media. The respondents' experiences of working life, unions and their socio-economic class were also surveyed. The remainder of the survey, however, focused more on the political views of the respondents. The students were asked to place themselves on the left-right political spectrum and to state their possible party preferences.

The respondents' opinions on a variety of political statements were also examined. The statements concerned, among other things, the following subjects: free higher education, taxation, same-sex marriages, multiculturalism, healthcare, abortion, and the environment. The respondents were asked to evaluate their knowledge about societal matters and their involvement in society and politics, e.g. by participating in demonstrations or contacting political decision-makers. The participants also evaluated how their parents, partners, friends, schools and workplaces have affected their political stances. Moreover, the survey examined the respondents' trust in political institutions and other people. Finally, the study surveyed the students' satisfaction in Finland's economic and democratic situation.

Background variables included faculty, educational background, work experience, age, gender, type of housing, type of neighbourhood, marital status, and religious affiliation.