Inter-Generational Concerns and Strengths
Duration: 2020–2022
Authors: Jenni Simonen, Jussi Westinen, Aino Heikkilä, Ville Pitkänen, Eija Eronen, Roosa Veijola, and Vilma Niskanen.
Partners: Industrial Employees TP, Finnish Paper Workers' Union, The Trade Union for the Public and Welfare Sectors JHL, Trade Union Pro and Service Union United PAM (sub-survey I) and The Finnish Pension Alliance TELA, Association of Finnish Municipalities and Sitra (sub-survey II). The partners of sub-study III will be announced later.
This multi-year research project, which began in spring 2020, examines whether young and middle-aged people's views on working life and the future of the welfare state align.
Sub-study I “The Common Denominators of Working Life” examines the central cornerstone of the welfare society, i.e., working life. The study compares the working life views and inter-generational relationships of young and middle-aged people. Partners include Industrial Employees TP, Finnish Paper Workers' Union, The Trade Union for the Public and Welfare Sectors JHL, Trade Union Pro and Service Union United PAM.
Sub-study II “Institutions and the Citizen – Changing Relationship” focuses on the structural factors of the welfare state and examines the relationship between citizens and key institutions. The study examines whether there are differences between generations in the meanings and trust associated with institutions. Partners include The Finnish Pension Alliance TELA, Association of Finnish Municipalities and Sitra.
Sub-study III “Young People's Good Life” examines how young people view success in life, their insecurities and concerns, and their place in society. The project has an inclusive approach by using members of the target age group as co-researchers as well as subjects.
Each sub-study is conducted by collecting extensive questionnaire and qualitative group interview data. Combining the materials provides an in-depth understanding of the intergenerational relationship and the current state of the welfare state.
Knowledge of the factors that unite generations is essential for the continuity of a welfare society. The information produced in the project helps not only to anticipate the factors of change but also to identify potential risks below the surface. Research also makes visible tacit signals that, when strengthened, can challenge societal development.
