Finns increasingly concerned about violence and economic crisis

By admin On Dec 20, 2023

LEHTIKUVA

Recent findings from the Elinkeinoelämän Valtuuskunta (EVA) Value and Attitude Study reveal a notable shift in Finnish public opinion, with increasing concerns over acts of violence and unrest alongside worries about a widespread economic crisis. The survey, encompassing the views of a broad cross-section of Finnish society, highlights an evolving landscape of perceived threats and societal challenges.

Key Insights from the Study

Economic Crisis: A staggering 87% of Finns see a new, large-scale global economic crisis as a significant threat. This reflects a heightened sense of economic vulnerability amidst global uncertainties.
Youth Violence: An alarming 83% of respondents perceive an increase in raw violence among youth as a major concern, marking its first significant appearance on the list of potential threats.
Gang Wars and Riots: The survey shows a dramatic 18 percentage point increase since Spring 2022 in the number of people who view gang wars, riots, and vandalism as at least a fairly significant threat, with 64% of Finns now holding this view.
Political Divide: Political violence and societal polarization are increasingly worrying for many, especially voters of left-wing parties. The study indicates a stark difference in perceptions based on political affiliations, with right-wing and SDP voters expressing more concern about gang violence and riots than their left-wing and Green counterparts.
Military Threat: Interestingly, concerns over a military attack on Finland have diminished, likely due to Finland’s recent full membership in NATO.

Political and Social Implications

Sami Metelinen, EVA’s editorial manager and the analyst of the study’s results, points out the growing fears related to political and social polarization, and even violence. “The emergence of these fears, particularly political polarization leading to potential violence, is a concerning development. This can fuel reciprocal radicalization and deepen mistrust among citizens,” Metelinen explains.

Methodology of the Survey

The survey’s results are based on responses from 2,045 individuals, with a margin of error of 2-3 percentage points at the national level. Conducted between September 15 and 27, 2023, the respondents represent the Finnish population aged 18-79 (excluding Åland). The data was collected via Taloustutkimus Oy’s internet panel using stratified random sampling and was weighted to accurately represent the population based on various demographic factors.

EVA’s Value and Attitude Surveys have been a consistent measure of Finnish public opinion since 1984, providing insights into the evolving concerns and perceptions of the Finnish society. The complete results and detailed demographic breakdowns are available on EVA’s website.

Source: www.helsinkitimes.fi