Browsing by study line "Kotitalousopettaja"

The goal of this master’s thesis is to analyze the opinions of drama teachers in utilising dra-ma education and the possibilities drama education offers for home economics teaching. The study focuses on combining drama education and home economics teaching from the point of view teachers, students and the learning environment. The theoretical framework is formed by describing drama education as a teaching method and home economics as a secondary school subject. There is very little previous research on combining drama educa-tion and home economics education. However, home economics has been presented as subject in which drama education could be utilized. Previous research on drama education demonstrates that drama education can be utilized in multitudes of ways in goal-centric teaching. The research method used in this master’s thesis was semi-structured interviews. Six drama teachers working in different drama education contexts were interviewed. The interviews were held during March 2022. The data was analyzed using theory-based content analysis. The research approach in this study was phenomenographic. Toivanen (2007), Heikkinen (2005), Pöntinen (2019) and Neelands (1998) were used as references for the theoretical framework. Utilizing drama education in home economics education was viewed as positive and enabling from the teachers, students, and educational perspective. Drama education was seen as an enabler for a more active and interactive learning environment. From the students’ point of view drama education offered more versatile learning in home economics education. For teachers it offered teaching tools but required planning, motivating students and good situation management. Drama education was seen as a suitable teaching method in home economics education; however, teachers emphasized the responsibility of a competent drama teacher to consider its necessity situationally. All in all, a drama education qualification could be a beneficial skill for home economics teachers.

Previous studies show that secondary school students participate in school meals in varying degrees. School meals are an important part of students ’school day as they are present at school every day. School meals are part of food education on basic education. With school lunch, students gain energy for study and they can better focus on teaching and learning. However, in many cases, convenience store products attract students more than food served at school. Research objective: The aim of this qualitative case study is to find out what different factors emerge from the students' method of empathy in the texts in relation to school meals. The aim was to find the various reasons raised by the students, which are why they either stay at the school to eat school lunch or go to the convenience store instead. The research questions of the study are: 1. How do students justify staying in to eat school lunch? 2. In what ways do students justify not staying in school meals? Methods. 7th grade students from one unified school in southern Finland participated in the study (N = 127). Data collection was carried out using the empathy method. There were two frame stories, in one of which the student experienced a situation where he went to a convenience store instead of attending school lunch, and in the other he stayed at the school himself to eat despite going to the friends' shop. The material was analyzed by data-driven content analysis. Results and conclusions. The most common reasons for students to stay in school to eat were the food served, the cause-and-effect relationship related to school rules, the healthiness of food, and money. The reasons for going to the store were most often the food served, the friends, the products from the store and the content of the break. The main themes that emerged from the data were ‘Top-down rules and regulations’, ‘Youth-related issues’ and ‘Student-related issues’. In future the research result can be utilized in home economics education and in the development of school meals.

Recipes are an essential part of today’s cooking culture, both in consumers’ daily lives and in the teaching of home economics. Previous research focusing on recipes has hardly considered consumers’ views on what features are part of a successful and user-friendly recipe. In order to create recipes that meet the needs of consumers, it is necessary to find out what kind of recipes satisfy consumers. The study aimed to identify the features that consumers value in a good recipe. The research was carried out using qualitative methods. The data consists of eleven individual interviews with consumers. The interviews were conducted remotely. Expressions associated with the features of a good recipe were analyzed and classified using data-driven content analysis. The analysis was used to create two main categories: the selection and usage of the recipe. Both categories reflect the features consumers value in a good recipe. The research results provide an indication of what kind of features consumers value in a recipe. According to the study, there is no absolute “good recipe” that would appeal to all consumers. A good recipe makes it easier for consumers to cook and bake. It does not only contain features that are important for the use of the recipe, but it also fits the specific criteria that consumers use when choosing recipes. The recipe is chosen if it inspires customers, gives them new ideas, seems reliable, and quickly triggers a pleasant reaction. Using a recipe is considered worthwhile if following the recipe is easy and effortless so that the customer can achieve a successful outcome with the recipe. The result should match consumers' image of the recipe, which is created through written and visual communication. The research results can help in the design and implementation of recipes for home economics teachers and other professionals. Further research could be carried out to identify the sources consumers use to find new recipes and how the exceptional circumstances caused by the COVID-19 pandemic are visible in the use of recipes.

This research studies the consumers’ thoughts on buying clothes and naturally dyed clothes. Former studies show that especially price and appearance are significant factors for consumers when purchasing clothing. As the knowledge of sustainability grows stronger, the ethical and ecological bases of textile industry have gained more importance for consumers. The studies show that the consumers’ thoughts on natural dyes are mainly positive. Consumers are interested in naturally dyed clothes but the expensive price and possibly worse color durability makes them feel doubtful. There aren’t many former studies about consumers concern for natural dyes. This study examines the consumers’ knowledge of this subject and gives information about what is expected of naturally dyed clothes. Research material was collected using semi-structured theme interviews and stimulus material. 12 consumers were part of the study and they were individually interviewed. The interviewees were 22-57 years old and represent different genders. The research is qualitative and the material has been analyzed using data-based content analysis. The consumers felt important that the clothes are comfortable of good quality and good looking. Ethical and ecological side of the fabric industry were meaningful to the consumers but because of financial reasons some couldn´t afford clothes produced with their values in mind. Clothes dyed with natural dyes woke twofold thoughts with the consumers. They were seen as safer for the environment and the users but their colors were suspected to endure less time and their color selection fewer. The consumers were ready to pay more for naturally dyed clothes if the production process and used materials were robust. They also felt that the clothes should be quite easy care and the colors durable in use. In conclusion, the consumers are interested in acquiring clothes dyed with natural dyes.

Objectives. The purpose of this master's thesis was to find out what sustainability means for second-hand consumers and what other meanings consumers attach to second-hand consumption. In previous studies, second-hand consumers have experienced that consuming used products is more environmentally friendly, economical, and ethical than buying new products. Consumers have also found that strolling around flea markets is a great way to spend time or make unexpected and interesting discoveries. The theoretical framework of the study has been constructed using research on consumption practices, Western consumer culture, and second-hand consumption. In addition, one key theme in the research is also the concept of the circular economy. At the end of the study, factors are considered that could improve the user-friendliness of second-hand sales channels. Methods. The study material was collected through a semi-structured thematic interview, and eight people from different cities around Finland participated in the study (n = 8). Respondents were asked how often they buy second-hand goods, what are their motives and what challenges they have possibly faced when they have bought second-hand products. In addition, the interview questions were related to what the circular economy means to them and how they perceived modern consumer culture. The data were analyzed using the theory-guiding approach. Results and conclusions. Most of the interviewees experienced second-hand consuming is financially better option than buying new products. Some of the interviewees found that strolling around flea markets was also a way to spend time, and flea markets offered unexpected selection of goods or ‘’treasures’’. For the interviewees, the circular economy meant the longevity of the life cycle of objects, sustainable use of various products and recycling. Goods deemed unnecessary were either donated, sold or recycled in alternative ways. Consuming culture was described with negative adjectives, such as distressing or unsustainable on several occasions. The challenges were the availability and range of second-hand products, as well as issues related to the condition and quality of the products. Some felt that traditional flea markets were unclean, which is why second-hand products were sought from the internet instead of traditional flea markets. The barrier for consumers to buy second-hand goods could be lowered, for example, through clean, modern, and more diverse recycling shops and developing new applications and technologies.

Objectives. The aim of this thesis is to find out which factors cause parental burnout. Furthermore, the aim is to produce information for parents, society, and decision-makers on how to raise a child with respect for childhood, but without them having to give up their own life. The study investigates risk factors that can cause burnout to parents. The research question is which factors affect parental burnout and to be more specific what the risk factors and protective factors of burnout are. In this thesis, a descriptive literature review was made. A lot of previous research has been done on the topic. The resource and burden factors of parenting research project have investigated the exhaustion of parents around the world. There are clear indications that exhaustion will soon be one of the national diseases unless something is done to the matter. The purpose of this thesis is to open the topic from the perspective of risk factors and to understand better the exhaustion of parents and to find out something new on the topic. I connect the subject to Home Economics, because I see that the subject contains content areas that young people could use in their future. Starting their own family and becoming a parent is relevant to most of the young people in Home Economics classes at some point in their lives. Methods. As a research method, I used a descriptive literature review. My research was based on the resource and risk factors of parenting (VoiKu) research project carried out at the University of Jyväskylä. The driving factor for the entire research process of this descriptive literature review is the research questions. The questions that I have prepared are based on a broad topic and theme related to parental burnout. The research material consists of previously published research information relevant to the research topic. The material is compiled from scientific publications that I selected from the International Investigation of Parental Burnout (IIPB) ─ research project. Results and conclusions. According to the results, risk factors for parental burnout were socially prescribed perfectionism, self-oriented perfectionism, child-oriented perfectionism, personality traits, unemployment, depression, anxiety, work flexibility compared to a partner, low support from a partner, lack of cooperation, parenting styles, the role of values, parents' negative views of adolescence, emotion regulation, emotion regulation strategies, positive parenting, and lack of social support. According to the results, these risk factors were related to parental burnout. The results showed that the risk factors of parental burnout are important to consider when a parent experiences burnout. The results also showed that parental burnout is a very multidimensional phenomenon, and each risk factor is unique, and it would be important to identify these risk factors to be able to react to them in time and for the parent/parents to get the support they need in time. Parental exhaustion often affects both parents, which means that it would be important to remember that the different service providers face families as a team and not just as individuals.

The importance of financial capability has been emphasized for the individual and society. There are a variety of financial products on the market from which consumers should choose the ones that suit them. Life expectancy has increased, which challenges the functioning of the pension system. These societal changes have broadened the field of financial capability and increased the individual's responsibility for his or her own finances. The aim of the study is to look at how young adults describe their financial capability learning and how young adults describe the challenges and skills related to the finance after moving out from their childhood home. The study was conducted as a qualitative study and the material was collected by interviewing 11 young adults aged 22–29 with a thematic interview. The material was analyzed by content analysis, and the division of financial expertise developed by Atkinson, McKay, Kempson, & Collard (2006) was also used as an analysis tool. According to the study, financial and money related issues have been learned in various ways in childhood. The financial capability learned at home could be described more comprehensively than those learned at school. Young adults also expressed a desire to increase economics education in schools. After moving out of the childhood home, finance and money related skills and knowledge were learned through new life situations (e.g., periods of unemployment, becoming a parent, buying a home), retrieving information yourself (e.g., the Internet, books, and social media) and talking about money with family, friends, and co-workers. When moving from a childhood home, the skills and challenges of the managing money (e.g., everyday budgeting) and the planning ahead challenges (e.g., applying for social benefits) were emphasized. However, there was a clear change in the challenges after several years of moving out from your childhood home. According to the young people, the focus of the challenges became time-oriented, such as saving and investing, retirement savings and mortgages. Based on the results of the research, it can be stated that young adults learn financial skills in their daily lives, although informal home teaching and formal schooling no longer support learning.

Aims. The aims of this master’s thesis were to find out why the new generations are still choosing hunting as their hobby and the significance of the game meat in the hunters’ households. Also, one interest was how important hunting is seen in the future during these unstable times. The Finnish hunting culture has changed over the time and hunting is not seen as an obligatory lifeline for the families rather than a relaxing hobby. On the other hand, hunting and the game meat can be seen as part of the self-sufficient household. The research questions of this thesis were: 1. Why some people of the new generations still choose hunting as their hobby? 2. How significant role does the game meat have in the hunters’ households? Methods. This thesis was carried out according to the qualitative research methods. 15 interviews of the topic were done in the summer 2022 and the informants were adults who hunt as their hobby. All the material collected during the interviews was analysed by using material-oriented methods. Results and conclusions. Finnish hunting culture has remained quite stable over the years because the new generations are still adapting hunting as a hobby. It is not only seen as a family tradition anymore and can also be inspired by friends or spouses. Meaning of the hunting has also changed because more often people are only looking for spending relaxing free time with friends which includes eating and drinking well, sauna and discussions with similar minded people. Even though hunting is more of a relaxing hobby than a mandatory activity, the appreciation towards the nature and the animals is extremely high. The game meat is used in different purposes, often it is offered during celebrational feasts and some use it as a protein supplement in their everyday, mostly vegetarian diet. For some people the game meat means self-sufficient household and being able to get rid of the meat produced by the livestock industry.

The aim of this thesis is to explore parents’ experiences of well-being in everyday life after the birth of their first child. The transition to parenthood with the first child is a unique time, as all the changes in everyday life are experienced for the first time, and it can surprise you in many ways. Family formation after the first child has been described as a critical transi-tional phase, in which everyday practices and rhythms change and adjustments are made in the relationship to meet the challenges of parenthood. Previous research has highlighted declining birth rates, parental exhaustion and experiences of uneven distribution of house-hold tasks. Therefore, there is a perceived need to increase honest discussion about par-enting and how well-being and feelings of equality could be enhanced in parenthood. The thesis was conducted using a qualitative research approach. The data were collected in October 2023 by interviewing seven (N=7) parents on parental leave with their first child. The data were analyzed using theory-based qualitative content analysis. The results of the study are not quantitatively generalizable. The transition in the families was seen as significant compared to the past. In the context of parenting a newborn, many factors contributed to and supported satisfaction and well-being in various ways but also presented conflicting and challenging experiences. New tasks such as breastfeeding, putting the baby to sleep and childcare were seen as rewarding in many ways, fostering a connection with the baby. Challenges highlighted the learning of these tasks and experiences of uncertainty. Personal time took on new meanings and was seen as a very important factor supporting personal identity and emotional well-being. Regularity in the rhythms of daily life with a baby made it easier to anticipate everyday life, but modera-tion and flexibility were seen as necessary. Everyone described equal parenting as im-portant, but there was variation in its implementation. When equality was achieved, parents' basic needs were met, household chores were evenly distributed, sufficient personal time was available, and a sense of gratitude, a willingness to prioritize the spouse and good communication also increased satisfaction in the relationship. Parents experiencing inequali-ty highlighted increased workload, negotiating while tired, lack of empathy and appreciation, and communication challenges as factors that undermined the well-being of the relation-ship. Support from relatives and society increased satisfaction if trust was felt and help was available when needed. Parental well-being experiences were seen to be influenced by ba-by-related characteristics. The experience of smooth everyday life was mirrored in expecta-tions and perceptions, and the fear of colic had been unfounded in each interviewee. As a result, most felt that everything could go well for the most part and that the occasional chal-lenges of parenting a newborn were seen as a natural part of everyday life that one could overcome. The pressures of parenthood emerged on several occasions, although at the same time most expressed confidence in their parenting and did not perceive the pressures as burdensome. As a topic for further research, it would be important to explore these pres-sures and perceptions in more detail. It would also be important to explore the experiences and changes in the well-being of parents’ that have resulted from the family leave reform. The results of this study bring theoretical insights and a deep understanding of early parenthood to the field of home economics research, in which context the findings can be utilized, for example, to provide empathy and support.

Previous research on the needs of diverse families has focused on legislation and its functionality in diverse families. In addition, everyday conflicts have been studied in general from the perspective of families with children, without giving special attention to the diversity of families. The purpose of this study is to map the experiences of diverse families about the support they receive and thus highlight the special needs of families who are not included in the family norm in a support system that draws from a nuclear family approach. The study examines the social support received by diverse families in relation to their everyday experiences. The data is examined to find the conflict situations that diverse families experience due to the support they receive or being excluded from support in their everyday lives. Support refers to both financial benefits and other societal support received by families. The context of the study is in the families' own everyday experiences. The research has been carried out by means of qualitative content analysis and is based on the phenomenographic research tradition. The data has been formed from the answers of a questionnaire “How far does your money go?” carried out by the Diverse Families network. The answers used to form the data were from these questions: 1) "If you could change a mean of support or benefit to better suit the situation of your family or household, what would it be and how would you change it? If you wish, you can mention more than one mean of support or benefit” and 2) "If your children live in two or more different homes, have you noticed any shortcomings in the support or benefit systems concerning this situation? If so, what?" 285 respondents had answered either one or both questions. The formed data were analyzed in a theory-driven manner. As a result, the study highlights a fault: there are diverse families that receive societal sup-port that does not meet the needs they experience. Conflicts arise mainly because the family's situation is not comprehensively mapped out. Families experience that their needs are not listened to or understood in the support process, which is perceived as fragmented and does not take diversity into consideration. The study shows that diverse families should be supported and studied primarily from an intersectional perspective.