Authors

• Koivula, Aki (University of Turku)
• Sirppiniemi, Ringa (University of Turku)
• Koiranen, Ilkka (University of Turku)
• Oksanen, Janna (University of Turku)

Keywords

interpersonal relations, mass media, online services, participation, political behaviour, politics, social media, social systems, trust

Abstract

The survey charted Finnish values, participation in society, media use, and social relations. The survey was conducted as part of the Poliittiset kuplat (Political bubbles) research project by the Economic Sociology department at the University of Turku, funded by the Foundation for Municipal Development and Helsingin Sanomat Foundation.

First, the respondents' values were examined with several statements on, for example, whether they had a positive or negative attitude towards abortion, progressive taxation, immigration, religion, and patriotism. The respondents were also asked how closely they felt they belonged to various groups, such as a family, friend group, neighbourhood, or religious community. Social and political participation were surveyed with questions on whether the respondents had, for example, voted in any elections in the past five years or signed a petition, as well as whether they belonged to and participated in the activities of any groups or organisations (e.g. political parties, religious communities, student organisations). Political activity was examined further with questions on which political parties the respondents felt were most important to them, where they would place themselves on the political left-right scale, how important various factors were to them when deciding which candidate they would vote for (e.g. the candidate's occupational history, education, honesty, or gender), and whether they discussed politics with people close to them.

Next, the respondents' media use was surveyed. Questions included, for example, how often the respondents watched TV, spent time on social media, and read online newspapers, as well as how often they used specific social media services (e.g. Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn) and how many followers they had on different social media platforms. The respondents' opinions were examined regarding online services, the role of traditional and social media today, and scientific research. Trust in various institutions and actors, such as the Government, politicians, the media, and universities, was also charted. The respondents' views on the most important things for a citizen of Finland (e.g. freedom of speech, right to privacy, conscription) as well as the most significant risks in today's society (e.g. infectious diseases, unemployment, environmental issues) were examined. Finally, the respondents' social relations were surveyed with questions on how many friends and acquaintances they had, how often they spent time with them, whether they trusted other people, and whether they often felt lonely. The respondents were also asked to describe the occupation, political position (left-right), and views of three of their closest friends.

Background variables included the respondent's gender, year of birth, degree of urbanisation of municipality of residence, marital status, household size, level of education, economic activity and occupational status, job title, type of employment contract, sector of employment, perceived social class, and household income.