Browsing by Author "Klöve, Karin"

Objectives. The aim of the thesis is to find out fifth and sixth graders' perceptions of economic inequality. The focus of the thesis is children's perceptions of economic inequality, the thoughts it evokes, and the meanings children attach to it. Inequality has increased in Finland over the past three decades, especially among families with children, and since the effects of the phenomenon extend not only to adults but also to children, it is worth looking at it from their perspective as well. Methods. The material for the thesis was collected from the fifth and sixth grades of an elementary school located in Helsinki with the help of life stories and thematic interviews. There were 28 life stories and 7 themed interviews. The material has been analyzed by means of material-based content analysis using a phenomenographic approach. Results and conclusions. The fifth and sixth graders linked economic inequality to family life, going to school and spending free time, among other things. The children most clearly identified differences in financial resources based on external signs, such as clothing and goods. The poor had the necessities, but their clothes and belongings did not meet the norms prevailing among children. In peer relationships, economic inequality was most clearly manifested as differences in financial resources. Similar consumption opportunities were seen to create cohesion in peer relationships, but on the other hand, to produce inequality with children. Among the consequences of economic inequality, the children brought up bullying. Being bullied almost always affected children, the financial resources were especially weaker than others. The bully's role was strongly associated with a well-off child. The reasons explaining economic inequality that appeared in the research material were largely realistic. Economic inequality was seen to be caused by wage differences and unemployment. The importance of studying in order to achieve a good profession and thus a better financial result.