Confidence in the education system is declining – interest in entrepreneurship is growing

Finns’ trust in society rests on the police, education, and healthcare. The top three remain unshaken year after year, according to the latest “People’s Values” survey. However, trust in the education system has declined the most among the three over the past year. Other social institutions, particularly political bodies, have also lost public trust across the board. “The heated debate over education reforms and budget cuts is reflected in the results. An increasing number of citizens are concerned about the effects of education cuts,” says Reeta Sutinen, Research Manager at T-Media.

CONCERN FOR THE ENVIRONMENT HAS GROWN

The debate on climate change has influenced public values. Environmental issues are causing citizens unprecedented concern: the importance of caring for the environment has risen to the highest level in recorded history, placing it on par with other societal values such as safety. However, people are not willing to give up their standard of living.

HAPPINESS LEVELS ON THE DECLINE

Most citizens consider themselves happy, but levels have dropped by 6 percentage points from 2013. “The reality of happiness therefore appears to differ from what international indicators have revealed about Finland. The level of happiness has declined since 2013 for everyone except retirees,” continues Reeta Sutinen.

ENTREPRENEURSHIP IS INCREASINGLY IN THE HANDS OF YOUNG PEOPLE

Finns recognize the value of businesses to society and view companies as more responsible than before. However, fewer people are interested in starting a business themselves. The gap between generations is widening. “Young people’s enthusiasm for starting a business has increased by five percentage points in a year; now 45% of young people are interested in starting a business. Entrepreneurial aspirations and the pursuit of success currently seem to be driven more than ever by young people’s enthusiasm,” notes Kari Väisänen, CEO of the Economic Information Agency TAT.

A total of 1,318 Finns responded to the 2018 Values of the People survey. Data for the survey was collected via an online questionnaire between October 23 and November 9, 2018. The survey’s target group consists of Finns aged 15–74 nationwide (excluding the Åland Islands). The sample was weighted by gender, age, and region of residence to be representative of the target group. The survey was conducted in collaboration with the Economic Information Office TAT and T-Media Oy.

"People's Values 2018" Research Report: Key Findings (PDF, 3,027 KB)

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Economic Information Agency TAT
CEO Kari Väisänen
Tel. 0400 138 767, kari.vaisanen@tat.fi

T-Media
Research Manager Reeta Sutinen
Tel. 040 511 9936, reeta.sutinen@reptrust-staging.fi-p.seravo.com

CEO Harri Leinikka
Tel. 040 505 5001, harri.leinikka@reptrust-staging.fi-p.seravo.com