Ympäristönmuutosta haitaksi asti : työläisten kokemuksia ympäristönmuutoksista Suomessa 1930-1990

This Master's Thesis explores the social effects of the environmental changes that occurred during the later modernization of Finland. By analyzing 25 environmental reminiscences and using methods developed for oral history it provides a n individual level perspective to the environmental history of Finland. Between 1930-1990 Finland experienced rapid change from agrarian based society to an urban industrialized society. The environmental effects of industrialization and especially pulp and paper industries changed the living conditions of most of the Finns during that period. Exploited forests, polluted waters, dirt and bad smelling air decreased the level of residential environment and recreational areas. The workers were employed in the same factories that caused this deterioration so the silent grousing and suffering was kept in their private thoughts. Most workers remained passive and adapted to the changed situation for example by stopping fishing or swimming, or just facing the fact that there are all the time less blueberries to pick up but more trash to everyone's disgust. Only a few workers decided to work for a better environment in one way or another. These exceptional and therefore interesting cases are examined more thoroughly and their motives and results are analyzed. The main findings are that general change in environmental attitudes, development of environmental authorities, professional skills, social support and possibility of local action were the factors that lead these people into action. Results show that oral histories and individual's perspective provide a fruitful source material for the research of environmental history. Also the use of local environmental knowledge should be better exploited when studying social effects of environmental change.

Grantor dc:publisher

Helsingfors universitet

Year dc:date.issued

2006

Author dc:creator

• Karreinen, Lari

Contributors dc:contributor

• Helsingin yliopisto, Valtiotieteellinen tiedekunta, Yhteiskuntahistorian laitos
• University of Helsinki, Faculty of Social Sciences, Department of Social Science History
• Helsingfors universitet, Statsvetenskapliga fakulteten, Institutionen för samhällshistoria

Statement dc:rights

• This publication is copyrighted. You may download, display and print it for Your own personal use. Commercial use is prohibited.
• Publikationen är skyddad av upphovsrätten. Den får läsas och skrivas ut för personligt bruk. Användning i kommersiellt syfte är förbjuden.
• Julkaisu on tekijänoikeussäännösten alainen. Teosta voi lukea ja tulostaa henkilökohtaista käyttöä varten. Käyttö kaupallisiin tarkoituksiin on kielletty.

Language dc:language.iso

fin

Identifier URI

URN:NBN:fi-fe20071742

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:helda.helsinki.fi:10138/18298