Authors

• Finnish Research Infrastructure for Public Opinion (FIRIPO)
• Lindell, Marina (Åbo Akademi University. Social Science Research Institute)

Keywords

identity, mass media, minority language users, minority languages, party identification, political attitudes, political behaviour, political participation, political parties, politics, social media, social systems

Abstract

The survey charted the attitudes and opinions of Swedish-speaking Finns on politics and society. The survey also included questions on media consumption, identity, party affiliations, social trust, future prospects, health and well-being. The data is part of the project "Ett polariserat samhällsklimat i Svenskfinland". The data was collected as part of the Citizen Panel of Swedish-speaking Finns (Barometern), which is part of The Finnish Research Infrastructure for Public Opinion (FIRIPO).

Respondents were first asked about their political behaviour on internet or social media, followed by a question on the amount of media usage. For example, respondents were asked how much time per week they spend on political content in the media. Respondents were then asked to place themselves on a liberal-conservative spectrum based on their political opinions. Further, respondents were asked how often they discuss social issues with different social groups. Respondents were also asked about their support for different political parties. Next, respondents were asked about their opinions on the possible development of different social issues in Finland. This was followed by questions on identity. Finally, respondents were asked whether there were any social issues that strongly divided people's opinions.

Background variables included the respondent's NUTS3 region of residence, language, gender, year of birth, age, highest level of education, and political party preference.