Authors

• Kestilä-Kekkonen, Elina (Tampere University)
• Tiihonen, Aino (Tampere University)
• Sipinen, Josefina (Tampere University)
• Kekkonen, Maria (Tampere University)
• Myllymäki, Aino (Tampere University)
• Vahteri, Iina (Tampere University)
• Jaakkola, Julia (Tampere University)
• Äijälä, Liisa (Tampere University)
• Lappalainen, Sanna (Tampere University)
• Haataja, Lotta (Tampere University)

Keywords

attitudes, political action, political behaviour, political influence, political participation, political parties, politicians, politics, trust, undergraduates, voting, well-being (society)

Abstract

The survey examined university students' attitudes towards politics and societal issues. The survey also explored how this relationship has evolved. The survey was carried out by students in a research course organised by the Department of Political Science at the University of Tampere, together with their professors as part of the Education, Political Efficacy and Informed Citizenship (EPIC) project funded by the Academy of Finland. The aim of the study was to investigate the formation of students' political efficacy, i.e. the extent to which they feel they understand politics and can influence it.

First, respondents were asked how interested they were in politics. Next, respondents were asked about their opinions on various statements related to their attitude towards politics and their own possibilities of influence. They were then asked about their trust in various institutions, such as the government and the media. Next, respondents were asked about their opinions on various proposals for the future direction of Finland. Respondents were then asked about their position on the left-right axis and which party they would vote for.

Next, the survey moved on to ask about the different forms of social participation that respondents have engaged in over the past 12 months. The current level of knowledge about political issues and whether this was influenced by studies, work experience or organisational activities were also explored. The next section looked at political activity in the respondents' childhood and childhood home. Finally, respondents were asked about their confidence in themselves and in the future.

Background variables included the respondent's age, gender, political party preference, economic activity, year of starting studies, field of education, and parents' level of education.