Authors

• E2 Research
• Finnish Cultural Foundation

Keywords

communities, community identification, identity, national identity, personal identity

Abstract

The survey studied the values and identities of Finnish people, concentrating on the self-image of the respondents as an individual and as part of different groups. Main themes included the significance of an individual's immediate circle and area of residence, belonging to different groups, social orientation, and values as constructors of personal identity. The study was funded by Finnish Cultural Foundation and E2 Research.

First, the respondents were asked how significant they thought various regional and social factors, such as their current area of residence, being a Finnish or European citizen, level of education, and religiosity, were as contributors to their identity. The respondents' feelings of belonging to a specific regional, cultural or ethnic group (e.g. people living in South Ostrobothnia or Lapland, or Swedish-speaking Finns) were also surveyed. The respondents were asked to describe their area of residence (e.g. whether they lived in a large city centre, suburb, or rural town) and their family's social class (e.g. whether their family was a working or middle class family) during their childhood.

Next, the respondents' views on the least and most disadvantaged groups in Finland were charted (e.g. whether they thought young people, entrepreneurs, students, asylum seekers, or people living in cities were too disadvantaged/advantaged compared to others). Several statements were presented to the respondents to examine their values and attitudes. The statements included, for example, whether the respondent thought that being Finnish was connected to one's ethnic background, that the media portrayed Finnish opinions inaccurately, and that Finland needs strong leadership so that social problems can be fixed without compromises. The respondents were also asked how they would describe themselves (e.g. as easily excited, disciplined, curious, modest). Finally, the importance of several things for the respondents, such as power, wealth, equality, and forgiveness, was charted. The respondents were also asked to consider what was extremely important for them in their life (e.g. health, love, children, traditions, safety and security).

Background variables included, among others, the respondent's NUTS2 and NUTS3 regions of residence, number of inhabitants in R's municipality of residence, gender, age group, degree of urbanisation of R's municipality of residence, subjective social class, field and level of education, economic activity and occupational status, household composition, and household income.