Civic Engagement of Foreign-language Speakers and People with Foreign Backgrounds in Finland 2023

The survey examines the attitudes of second-generation immigrants in Finland toward democracy, their political participation, and how they discuss political and social issues with those close to them. The survey responses are used in a research project funded by the Prime Minister's Office on the social participation of Finns with foreign background and foreign-language speakers (UTViS). The data were collected through the Gen2 survey panel, which is part of the Finnish Research Infrastructure for Public Opinion (FIRIPO). The survey began by asking respondents about their views on democracy in Finland using various statements. They were also asked about their satisfaction with the functioning of democracy. Next, respondents were asked whether they voted in the 2023 parliamentary elections and which party they chose. The survey then examined their societal participation over the past four years, including, for example, whether they had taken part in peaceful demonstrations. The next section focused on how having a parent from outside Finland may have influenced political and societal discussions between respondents and their parents. Respondents were first asked about their parents' background and reasons for moving to Finland. They then evaluated a series of statements about their parents' political engagement, discussions, and voting behavior during their childhood and adolescence. Similar statements were then assessed in relation to the present day. Finally, the survey addressed experiences and perceptions of racism, including whether respondents believe racism is a problem in Finnish society. Background variables included the respondent's age, gender, region of residence, electoral district, statistical grouping of municipalities, level of education, occupational group, party affiliation, and the continent of birth of their parents.