EVA study: Finns consider themselves reasonably happy
Value survey: material well-being declines as priority, trade unions gain in popularity
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According to a fresh study by the Finnish Business and Policy Forum (EVA), Finns as a nation tend to be reasonably happy. The EVA study on values and attitudes revealed that the greatest proportion of happy Finns can be found among the ranks of business executives, entrepreneurs, and voters who support the Swedish People’s Party. The least happy are those with a low level of education, the unemployed, and supporters of the Left Alliance.
Nevertheless, differences among the various population groups are fairly small. Of the whole population, 81% felt that they are either very happy or fairly happy.
EVA has investigated the values and attitudes of Finns regularly since 1985. This year’s study, which was made public on Wednesday, focused specifically on the issue of happiness. Responding to the questionnaire were nearly 2,264 people.
The survey showed that Finns place considerable value on good human relationships, health, and love. Although the survey indicated that the happiest Finns were those who prospered economically, high social position and money were not seen as key factors in determining happiness.
Belief in economic growth as a guarantor of happiness is weakening. Only one third felt that well-being can be achieved primarily through economic growth. In 1994, more than half of respondents felt that well-being can only be achieved by accelerating the economy.
Nearly half felt that calls for change by the business community were only a way to persuade employees to accept cuts to their benefits.
Only one in four agreed with the statement that the interests of employees and employers were largely the same. Ten years ago, 37% felt that workers and employers ultimately had the same goals.
The study found an increase in support for the trade union movement. Ten years ago 44% saw the unions as a factor that slows development. Now only 30% of respondents felt this way.
Negative attitudes toward politics are gradually decreasing. Only 35% felt that political parties are drifting further away from the problems experienced by ordinary people. Ten years ago, about half of Finns felt this way. Young people were found to have the greatest confidence in political parties.
The pace of work is still seen to be intense, but no major changes in attitudes have happened in the past ten years. Nearly 90% feel that there is too much pressure at work, and that many people suffer from premature burnout.
The prospect of delaying retirement does not appeal to many Finns. Only 16% say that they would like to work beyond the age of 63.
Many respondents felt that one great source of happiness for them was the simple fact of being a Finn. The feeling that it is a privilege to be a Finn has increased over the past ten years.
Racist attitudes remain fairly common, although they are declining.
Still, one third of Finns feel that increased immigration would lead to a disadvantageous mixing of races and the weakening of the nation.
Helsingin Sanomat
