Authors

• Purhonen, Semi (University of Tampere. Faculty of Social Sciences)

Keywords

Internet, arts, cinema, cultural activities, cultural behaviour, cultural behaviour, cultural life, cultural participation, cultural values, culture, dietary habits, hobbies, language skills, leisure time, mass culture, mass media use, music, organizations, reading (activity), social networks, television viewing, visual arts

Abstract

The Culture and Leisure in Finland survey extensively charts the cultural tastes and lifestyles of Finnish people. The data discusses, for example, the respondent's preferences regarding television, films, music, food, books, and art. In addition, leisure habits, hobbies and the use of the Internet are studied. The survey was conducted in the project The Dynamics of Cultural Stratification: How Cultural Classifications, Hierarchies and Tastes Change. The survey follows the extensive British research project Cultural Capital and Social Exclusion and corresponds to the previously collected data FSD2953 Culture and Leisure in Finland 2007.

Regarding watching television, the respondents were first asked how often they watched different television channels and how many hours they watched television per day. The respondents were then asked which television programmes, such as news or current affairs programmes, comedies, sports programmes, or films they liked the most, the second most and the least, and which of the listed television series they liked the most. Last, respondents were asked about their interest in watching televised events such as the World Cup, Independence Day celebrations or Eurovision.

Relating to films, the respondents were asked which types of films, such as action, comedy, or fantasy, they liked the most, the second most and the least. In addition, interest in the movies of certain directors was surveyed. The respondents were asked which newspapers and magazines they read, which books they liked, which books they had read or were interested in reading, and how many books they had read during the year. Questions about music surveyed opinions on different music genres, compositions, and songs. Regarding visual art, questions focused on which artistic trends, such as landscape paintings and modern art, the respondent liked the most and if they liked the works of various visual artists.

The next topic discussed was whether the respondent had ever studied music or photography on a regular basis, whether they belonged to a hobby club, and what their parents' interests were when they were a child. Regarding languages, the respondents were asked about their mother tongue and other languages they knew. The usage habits of the Internet and social media were also surveyed. Leisure time and holidays were queried about by asking how often the respondents went to different events and places, and what kinds of holidays they had been on, such as boat cruises or staying at a cottage, and which of the holidays they had liked.

Sports and exercise were investigated by asking how much and what types of physical activity the respondents engage in. Concerning health and appearance, the respondents were asked, whether the respondent had ever pierced his ears, taken a tattoo, or followed a diet. In addition, the respondents were asked about their style of dress and how they considered their health. Next, with regard to eating habits, the respondents were asked how often they go out to eat, in which types of restaurants, and what kind of food they liked. Regarding home furnishings and items it was asked which equipment, such as a car, DVD device or an espresso machine, the respondents had, as well as how many music recordings, books, and art objects they had. In addition, the respondents were asked which adjectives describe their ideal home.

The social networks of the respondent were also charted. The respondents were asked how often they were in contact with people close to them, and if they had personal acquaintances with certain occupations. In addition, participation in activities such as political parties, trade unions or sports clubs was asked. The importance of religion in life and voting in elections were also surveyed. Finally, there were some statements of opinion with regard to modern-day Finland.

Background variables included, among others, the respondent's gender, age, marital status, number of children, type of residence, education level, income, occupation, and type of employment contract. In addition, the material contains the educational and professional information of the respondent's parents and spouse.