Young people in Finland navigate value divides amid societal pressure

Recent discussions in Finland have highlighted the division of values among young people, particularly noting that young men tend to be more conservative while young women lean towards liberalism. However, many do not resonate with these stereotypes depicted in the media. This article seeks to provide a voice to those who feel differently.

We explored the perspectives of young men who identify as liberal and women who consider themselves conservative, encouraging them to define their beliefs in their own terms. Our survey garnered around 80 responses, with a common theme emerging: many feel that societal expectations pressure them to adopt different values, causing discomfort.

One 28-year-old woman expressed discomfort in sharing her views, fearing labels like “racist” or “transphobic,” and hasn’t disclosed her political party to anyone except her partner. Meanwhile, 15-year-old Niko Heikkinen values equality and justice, feeling more open-minded than many of his male peers, and finds it easier to discuss values with girls. He noted the prevalence of intolerance in male discourse, such as using derogatory terms for homosexuals.

Conversing about differing values can also alienate conservative women. Jan-Erik Lönnqvist, a social psychology professor, acknowledges that many are willing to seek work or study elsewhere if their values clash with those around them. However, he suggests this is indicative of broader societal polarization rather than a stark divergence between male and female values.

One 22-year-old woman, Inna Nilsson, who once struggled to find like-minded individuals, found solace in joining a conservative youth group. She underscores how her values—rooted in religion and life choices—are sometimes perceived as inappropriate for a young woman. Many conservative women are hesitant to openly discuss their beliefs, fearing misinterpretation and backlash.