an article by Sakari Kainulainen (Diaconia University of Applied Sciences, Helsinki, Finland), Juho Saari (University of Tampere, Finland) and Ruut Veenhoven (Erasmus University Rotterdam, The Netherlands; North-West University, South Africa) published in International Journal of Happiness and Development Volume 4 Number 3 (2018)
Abstract
When assessing how satisfied we are with our life as a whole, we draw on two sources of information:
a) how well we feel most of the time;
b) to what extent life has brought us what we want from it.
The sub-appraisals are referred to as components of happiness.
Although it is generally agreed that both affective and cognitive appraisals are involved, there is difference in opinion as to their relative weight in our overall evaluation of life. This difference is related to the debate on the nature of happiness; need-theory predicts a greater weight for affective experience, while comparison theory predicts greater weight for perceived success in meeting wants.
This issue was investigated in two studies among the working age population in Finland in 2012 and 2016. Research questions were answered affirmatively, which fits the theory that judgments of life satisfaction draw first on affective experience.
Showing posts with label Finland. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Finland. Show all posts
Friday, 17 August 2018
Friday, 16 February 2018
The Population's Confidence in the Child Protection System – A Survey Study of England, Finland, Norway and the United States (California)
an article by Ida Juhasz and Marit Skivenes (University of Bergen, Norway) published in Social Policy & Administration Volume 51 Issue 7 (December 2017)
Abstract
This article examines the confidence the population (N = 4,003) has in the child welfare system in four countries – England, Finland, Norway and the USA (California).
We find that about half or less of the population reports having confidence in the system, which is slightly higher than the confidence in the civil servants in the same countries.
The Nordic countries display more confidence in the child welfare system than the Anglo-American countries. The similarity between the countries is, however, greater than anticipated.
As for independent variables that can shed light on differences in confidence levels, we find three variables to be related to a higher confidence level, and these are a left wing political orientation, lower age, and higher education.
This study contributes in filling a knowledge gap on studies about trust in the child welfare system, but we emphasize that we have studied an aspect of trust that rests on the population's impressions of a system, and not their substantial knowledge about, or identification with, this system.
Full text (PDF 18pp)
Abstract
This article examines the confidence the population (N = 4,003) has in the child welfare system in four countries – England, Finland, Norway and the USA (California).
We find that about half or less of the population reports having confidence in the system, which is slightly higher than the confidence in the civil servants in the same countries.
The Nordic countries display more confidence in the child welfare system than the Anglo-American countries. The similarity between the countries is, however, greater than anticipated.
As for independent variables that can shed light on differences in confidence levels, we find three variables to be related to a higher confidence level, and these are a left wing political orientation, lower age, and higher education.
This study contributes in filling a knowledge gap on studies about trust in the child welfare system, but we emphasize that we have studied an aspect of trust that rests on the population's impressions of a system, and not their substantial knowledge about, or identification with, this system.
Full text (PDF 18pp)
Saturday, 2 September 2017
The circular economy enters the world stage, with Finland leading the way
an article by Kirsi Sormunen and Kimmo Tiilikainen published in the Guardian
It took the Earth a couple of hundred million years to turn animal remains into oil. It takes us just a couple of minutes to finish an espresso macchiato – and dump the plastic cup in the bin.
Something is not quite right here.
Our economy is inherently linear. We make products out of materials provided by nature, we use the stuff and, all too often, throw it away not long after.
Produce, use, throw, repeat.
If your business is to make disposable coffee cups, this may sound pretty sweet. For the rest of us, however, it is a rotten deal.
Continue reading to find out how Finland is changing this linearity into circularity
It took the Earth a couple of hundred million years to turn animal remains into oil. It takes us just a couple of minutes to finish an espresso macchiato – and dump the plastic cup in the bin.
Something is not quite right here.
Our economy is inherently linear. We make products out of materials provided by nature, we use the stuff and, all too often, throw it away not long after.
Produce, use, throw, repeat.
If your business is to make disposable coffee cups, this may sound pretty sweet. For the rest of us, however, it is a rotten deal.
Continue reading to find out how Finland is changing this linearity into circularity
Monday, 23 March 2015
Training for the unemployed: differential effects in white- and blue-collar workers with respect to mental well-being
an article by Antti Saloniemi, Katri Romppainen and Pekka Virtanen (University of Tampere, Finland) and Mattias Strandh (University of Umeå, Sweden) published in Work Employment & Society Volume 28 Number 4 (August 2014)
Abstract
In this study we investigate the effects of active labour market policy measures on health and well-being and how these effects are connected with socioeconomic status.
The data were collected among the participants (n = 212) in 24 conventional vocational training courses in Finland.
According to the results, training was accompanied by improvements in health and well-being among participants with a higher socioeconomic status, whereas for blue-collar workers the changes were neutral or even detrimental.
The results raise questions about the role of active labour market policy measures as a public service. There seems to be a risk that these types of measures maintain or even produce health differences between socioeconomic groups.
Abstract
In this study we investigate the effects of active labour market policy measures on health and well-being and how these effects are connected with socioeconomic status.
The data were collected among the participants (n = 212) in 24 conventional vocational training courses in Finland.
According to the results, training was accompanied by improvements in health and well-being among participants with a higher socioeconomic status, whereas for blue-collar workers the changes were neutral or even detrimental.
The results raise questions about the role of active labour market policy measures as a public service. There seems to be a risk that these types of measures maintain or even produce health differences between socioeconomic groups.
Wednesday, 24 April 2013
Gendered divisions on classed routes to vocational education
an article by Sirpa Lappalainen, Reetta Mietola and Elina Lahelma (University of Helsinki, Finland) published in Gender and Education Volume 25 Issue 2 (2013)
Abstract
In this article our focus is on the persistent gendered divisions in educational routes of young people who choose a vocational path after compulsory education in Finland.
We analyse how gendered subjectivities are constructed within the practices of educational and vocational guidance and within student cultures in the comprehensive school, as well as the way in which young people process understandings of themselves and their expectations during and after vocational education. In addition, we explore young people’s ways to negotiate with disciplinary practices of the educational system.
The paper draws on three ethnographic studies, and on feminist post-structural and materialist theories, intertwined with contextualised ethnographic perspectives. Our analysis reveals some patterns that might work as obstacles in the process towards reducing gender segregation in education and the labour market. We suggest that whilst gendered choices are sometimes taken for granted, gender dichotomy is often emphasised even if young people choose ‘differently’.
Abstract
In this article our focus is on the persistent gendered divisions in educational routes of young people who choose a vocational path after compulsory education in Finland.
We analyse how gendered subjectivities are constructed within the practices of educational and vocational guidance and within student cultures in the comprehensive school, as well as the way in which young people process understandings of themselves and their expectations during and after vocational education. In addition, we explore young people’s ways to negotiate with disciplinary practices of the educational system.
The paper draws on three ethnographic studies, and on feminist post-structural and materialist theories, intertwined with contextualised ethnographic perspectives. Our analysis reveals some patterns that might work as obstacles in the process towards reducing gender segregation in education and the labour market. We suggest that whilst gendered choices are sometimes taken for granted, gender dichotomy is often emphasised even if young people choose ‘differently’.
Monday, 25 March 2013
Who attends work-related training five years after graduation? A comparison across European countries
an article by Liv Anne Støren (NIFU, Nordic Institute for Studies in Innovation, Research and Education, Norway) published in International Journal of Lifelong Education
Volume 32 Issue 2 (March-April 2013)
Abstract
What are the driving forces behind the unequal distribution of training after graduation among higher education graduates? Participation in lifelong learning is restricted here to work-related training.
The paper aims at examining the mechanisms that cause variation in training rates, by taking into account fields of study, personal competency profiles, preferences, motivation and effort, as well as job and workplace-related characteristics and social- and human-capital related variables.
International survey data (the Reflex study) five years after graduation are employed.
The results indicate that participation in work-related training is mainly triggered by push-factors at the workplace, as well as by motivational factors.
The training rates vary across countries, with an especially low participation rate in Norway, and a high participation rate in Finland.
The paper discusses the possible reasons for this variation.
Abstract
What are the driving forces behind the unequal distribution of training after graduation among higher education graduates? Participation in lifelong learning is restricted here to work-related training.
The paper aims at examining the mechanisms that cause variation in training rates, by taking into account fields of study, personal competency profiles, preferences, motivation and effort, as well as job and workplace-related characteristics and social- and human-capital related variables.
International survey data (the Reflex study) five years after graduation are employed.
The results indicate that participation in work-related training is mainly triggered by push-factors at the workplace, as well as by motivational factors.
The training rates vary across countries, with an especially low participation rate in Norway, and a high participation rate in Finland.
The paper discusses the possible reasons for this variation.
Friday, 1 February 2013
Role of NGOs in the implementation of active labour market policies: The case of Finland and Sweden
an article by Thomas Babila Sama, (University of Jyväskylä, Finland) published in The International Journal of Leadership in Public Services Volume 8 Issume 3 (2013)
Abstract
Purpose
This is a mixed method comparative case study. The aim of this paper is to find the role played by non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in the implementation of the active labour market policies (ALMPs) of Finland and Sweden, and also the relationship that the NGOs have with the government of the two countries.
Design/methodology/approach
Two NGOs were selected in Finland and one NGO was selected in Sweden for the data collection. The two selected NGOs in Finland were Jyväskylän Katulähetys in the City of Jyväskylä and Pirkanmaan Sininauha in the City of Tampere. Meanwhile, the one selected NGO in Sweden was Stockholms Stadsmission in the City of Stockholm.
Primary data were collected through questionnaires and interviews, while secondary data were collected from literature reviews, books and internet websites.
A total of 130 employees responded to the questionnaires from the two selected NGOs in Finland, while 140 employees responded from the one selected NGO in Sweden. The questionnaires were analysed using SPSS.
Findings
The findings revealed that first, the selected NGOs play active role in the implementation of the ALMPs of Finland and Sweden by employing long-term unemployed people in the labour market.
Second, the findings revealed that the selected NGOs play active role in the implementation of the ALMPs of Finland and Sweden by providing social services, mobilizing local resources and undertaking other types of activities which have created jobs for the unemployed.
Last, the findings revealed that the selected NGOs play active role in the implementation of the ALMPs of Finland and Sweden by providing voluntary work to volunteers – some of who acquire skills that can help them to find a job in the open labour market.
Originality/value
The relationship between the NGOs and the Governments of Finland and Sweden was found to be one of partnership cooperation through the local Employment Offices and the City Councils. However, Finland was found to have a more bureaucratic system than Sweden in the implementation of their ALMPs with regard to NGOs.
The main similarity between the two countries was that the implementation of ALMPs with regard to NGOs, takes place at the local level through the local Employment Offices and the City Councils.
This study concluded that although Finland and Sweden are two “Nordic countries”, the two countries slightly differ in the implementation of their ALMPs with regard to NGOs.
Abstract
Purpose
This is a mixed method comparative case study. The aim of this paper is to find the role played by non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in the implementation of the active labour market policies (ALMPs) of Finland and Sweden, and also the relationship that the NGOs have with the government of the two countries.
Design/methodology/approach
Two NGOs were selected in Finland and one NGO was selected in Sweden for the data collection. The two selected NGOs in Finland were Jyväskylän Katulähetys in the City of Jyväskylä and Pirkanmaan Sininauha in the City of Tampere. Meanwhile, the one selected NGO in Sweden was Stockholms Stadsmission in the City of Stockholm.
Primary data were collected through questionnaires and interviews, while secondary data were collected from literature reviews, books and internet websites.
A total of 130 employees responded to the questionnaires from the two selected NGOs in Finland, while 140 employees responded from the one selected NGO in Sweden. The questionnaires were analysed using SPSS.
Findings
The findings revealed that first, the selected NGOs play active role in the implementation of the ALMPs of Finland and Sweden by employing long-term unemployed people in the labour market.
Second, the findings revealed that the selected NGOs play active role in the implementation of the ALMPs of Finland and Sweden by providing social services, mobilizing local resources and undertaking other types of activities which have created jobs for the unemployed.
Last, the findings revealed that the selected NGOs play active role in the implementation of the ALMPs of Finland and Sweden by providing voluntary work to volunteers – some of who acquire skills that can help them to find a job in the open labour market.
Originality/value
The relationship between the NGOs and the Governments of Finland and Sweden was found to be one of partnership cooperation through the local Employment Offices and the City Councils. However, Finland was found to have a more bureaucratic system than Sweden in the implementation of their ALMPs with regard to NGOs.
The main similarity between the two countries was that the implementation of ALMPs with regard to NGOs, takes place at the local level through the local Employment Offices and the City Councils.
This study concluded that although Finland and Sweden are two “Nordic countries”, the two countries slightly differ in the implementation of their ALMPs with regard to NGOs.
Tuesday, 23 October 2012
Teaching entrepreneurship in vocational education viewed from the regional and field perspectives
an article by Taina Järvi (Lapland Vocational College, Rovaniemi, Finland) published in Journal of Vocational Education & Training Volume 64 Issue 3 (September 2012)
Abstract
Very little research has been conducted on the teaching of entrepreneurship, in particular in vocational education. Entrepreneurship is included in the national curriculum of many European countries, but there is concern over the competence of its teachers and their training in entrepreneurship (European Commission 2009, 14).
This article explores entrepreneurship education from teachers’ viewpoints eliciting their views on its aims, methods and content.
The article investigates the planning behind entrepreneurship studies in a region of Northern Finland and is informed by a literature review of entrepreneurial learning and input from teachers. The analysis indicates that entrepreneurship education should be assessed and applied from the perspective of field and region. The study suggests how vocational field, region and entrepreneurial learning can be brought together when planning the content and methods of practical studies, for example in work-based learning.
Hazel’s comment:
Is entrepreneurship a taught subject in British schools and colleges?
Is it a subject that can be taught or does it have to be learned through experience?
Given that the answer to both the above questions is “yes” just how effective is the learning?
Abstract
Very little research has been conducted on the teaching of entrepreneurship, in particular in vocational education. Entrepreneurship is included in the national curriculum of many European countries, but there is concern over the competence of its teachers and their training in entrepreneurship (European Commission 2009, 14).
This article explores entrepreneurship education from teachers’ viewpoints eliciting their views on its aims, methods and content.
The article investigates the planning behind entrepreneurship studies in a region of Northern Finland and is informed by a literature review of entrepreneurial learning and input from teachers. The analysis indicates that entrepreneurship education should be assessed and applied from the perspective of field and region. The study suggests how vocational field, region and entrepreneurial learning can be brought together when planning the content and methods of practical studies, for example in work-based learning.
Hazel’s comment:
Is entrepreneurship a taught subject in British schools and colleges?
Is it a subject that can be taught or does it have to be learned through experience?
Given that the answer to both the above questions is “yes” just how effective is the learning?
Monday, 22 October 2012
What would a socially just education system look like?: saving the minnows from the pike
an article by Diane Reay (University of Cambridge, UK) published in Journal of Education Policy Volume 27 Issue 5 (September 2012)
Abstract
This paper first draws on the political philosophy of R.H. Tawney to outline some universal principles for the provision of socially just education.
It then moves on to a more pragmatic approach, analysing where the injustices lie in contemporary British education and outlining policies and practices that are socially just, not in an instrumental neoliberal sense but in terms of more egalitarian social democratic and socialist traditions.
The final section of the paper focuses on Finland as the closest example of a socially just education system, before arguing for a rethinking and reworking of Tawney’s educational thinking for the twenty-first century.
Abstract
This paper first draws on the political philosophy of R.H. Tawney to outline some universal principles for the provision of socially just education.
It then moves on to a more pragmatic approach, analysing where the injustices lie in contemporary British education and outlining policies and practices that are socially just, not in an instrumental neoliberal sense but in terms of more egalitarian social democratic and socialist traditions.
The final section of the paper focuses on Finland as the closest example of a socially just education system, before arguing for a rethinking and reworking of Tawney’s educational thinking for the twenty-first century.
Monday, 8 October 2012
Sociodemographic and work-related variation in employees’ lunch eating patterns
an article by Susanna Raulio and Ritva Prättälä (National Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland) and Eva Roos, (Folkhälsan Research Center, Helsinki and University of Helsinki) published in International Journal of Workplace Health Management Volume 5 Issue 3 (2012)
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to examine the availability of worksite canteens to Finnish employees, and the associations between canteen availability and the employee’s sociodemographic background and workplace characteristics. A further aim was to study the employees’ lunch place choices according to the sociodemographic factors of the employees and the characteristics of the workplace when a worksite canteen is available.
Design/methodology/approach
Data were obtained from cross-sectional health surveys among Finnish adults in 2005-2007. A total of 2,659 male and 2,926 female employed Finns – except farmers – ranging in age from 19 to 64 were chosen for the analyses from the surveys. The data were analysed by multiple logistic regression models.
Findings
A worksite canteen was available for 70 percent of female and 60 percent of male employees, and more often to employees with higher education and in a higher occupational class and to those working at bigger workplaces. If a canteen was not available, employees mostly ate packed lunches. Roughly 50 percent of those who had a worksite canteen available ate there; employees in a higher occupational class did so more often than the others. Even when a canteen was available, people with lower education or in a lower occupational class preferred packed lunches.
Practical implications
The frequency of using worksite canteens could be influenced not only by means related to individual choices, but also by improving the structural conditions at work – like unavailability of worksite canteen – that is found to pose barrier to canteen use.
Originality/value
No previous study of this kind has been done, even though it has been observed that worksite canteen meals are important for the nutrition, health, and productivity of Finnish employees.
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to examine the availability of worksite canteens to Finnish employees, and the associations between canteen availability and the employee’s sociodemographic background and workplace characteristics. A further aim was to study the employees’ lunch place choices according to the sociodemographic factors of the employees and the characteristics of the workplace when a worksite canteen is available.
Design/methodology/approach
Data were obtained from cross-sectional health surveys among Finnish adults in 2005-2007. A total of 2,659 male and 2,926 female employed Finns – except farmers – ranging in age from 19 to 64 were chosen for the analyses from the surveys. The data were analysed by multiple logistic regression models.
Findings
A worksite canteen was available for 70 percent of female and 60 percent of male employees, and more often to employees with higher education and in a higher occupational class and to those working at bigger workplaces. If a canteen was not available, employees mostly ate packed lunches. Roughly 50 percent of those who had a worksite canteen available ate there; employees in a higher occupational class did so more often than the others. Even when a canteen was available, people with lower education or in a lower occupational class preferred packed lunches.
Practical implications
The frequency of using worksite canteens could be influenced not only by means related to individual choices, but also by improving the structural conditions at work – like unavailability of worksite canteen – that is found to pose barrier to canteen use.
Originality/value
No previous study of this kind has been done, even though it has been observed that worksite canteen meals are important for the nutrition, health, and productivity of Finnish employees.
Friday, 31 August 2012
A new approach for managing university-workplace partnerships
an article by Teemu Ylikoski and Mika J. Kortelainen (Laurea University of Applied Sciences, Lohja, Finland) published in Industrial and Commercial Training Volume 44 Issue 6 (2012)
Abstract
Purpose
University-workplace partnerships are becoming increasingly important as the demands for authentic learning are growing. Partnership management ensures availability of authentic learning environments, joint-learning tasks, and knowledge-producing commissions for the students. Universities, however, can have difficulties in managing these crucial partnerships. This paper’s purpose is to investigate the problems and to suggest a solution.
Design/methodology/approach
The approach is based on a case study of Laurea University of Applied Sciences in Finland.
Findings
In the case study, the programme is run by business students, who as a part of their education, learn important skills in managing “customers” and projects. This results in improved learning for the students as they not only gain first-hand experience in customer relationship management, but also deeper partnerships as the relationships evolve over time. Partnerships are centrally managed and available to all participants. This programme is non-exclusive: it does not assume or require participation from the educators. If an educator wishes to keep his/her own workplace contacts private, this is possible.
Research limitations/implications
The results stem from a case study. Even though good results are reported in the case, every organization is different and using a similar approach is not guaranteed to work.
Practical implications
The paper suggests a way for universities to deepen partnerships, overcoming typical hurdles.
Originality/value
The non-exclusive approach to partnership management described in the paper is original and will benefit universities in their quest for improving partnerships. The authors believe that the use of students as the task force of the programme to this extent is a novel idea and benefits the local workplaces (new knowledge) as well as students (authentic learning).
Abstract
Purpose
University-workplace partnerships are becoming increasingly important as the demands for authentic learning are growing. Partnership management ensures availability of authentic learning environments, joint-learning tasks, and knowledge-producing commissions for the students. Universities, however, can have difficulties in managing these crucial partnerships. This paper’s purpose is to investigate the problems and to suggest a solution.
Design/methodology/approach
The approach is based on a case study of Laurea University of Applied Sciences in Finland.
Findings
In the case study, the programme is run by business students, who as a part of their education, learn important skills in managing “customers” and projects. This results in improved learning for the students as they not only gain first-hand experience in customer relationship management, but also deeper partnerships as the relationships evolve over time. Partnerships are centrally managed and available to all participants. This programme is non-exclusive: it does not assume or require participation from the educators. If an educator wishes to keep his/her own workplace contacts private, this is possible.
Research limitations/implications
The results stem from a case study. Even though good results are reported in the case, every organization is different and using a similar approach is not guaranteed to work.
Practical implications
The paper suggests a way for universities to deepen partnerships, overcoming typical hurdles.
Originality/value
The non-exclusive approach to partnership management described in the paper is original and will benefit universities in their quest for improving partnerships. The authors believe that the use of students as the task force of the programme to this extent is a novel idea and benefits the local workplaces (new knowledge) as well as students (authentic learning).
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