Authors

• Koivula, Aki (University of Turku)
• Räsänen, Pekka (University of Turku)
• Sivonen, Jukka (University of Turku)

Keywords

attitudes, consumer behaviour, consumption, generations (age), money, risk, savings, shopping, socio-economic status, standard of living, well-being (society)

Abstract

The survey examined the lifestyles and consumption habits of Finns by asking questions about the present and future expectations. It also covered a lot of questions on security and attitudes related to all the above-mentioned topics.

Respondents were asked about their perception of their own living standards and consumption. Respondents were also asked to compare their consumption with the "average consumer" across a wide range of consumer products. Respondents were asked which items and consumer goods they felt were essential and what they did when they were financially strapped. They were also asked what things they would do more of if they could afford it. Next, respondents were asked about their sense of belonging to different communities (e.g. work community, church). Further, respondents were asked to rate their own happiness, health, and life satisfaction.

Respondents were asked about various risks, uncertainties, and safety. They were asked to what extent different issues are risks or sources of insecurity in society (e.g. terrorism, increasing income inequality). Respondents were also asked to what extent they support or oppose different policy measures. Finally, respondents were asked about their own and their household's combined income and loans.

Background variables included the respondent's gender, age, NUTS3 region of residence, marital status, household size, number of children, level of education, economic activity, occupation, social class and political party preference.