First the job – then ethics?

• Matti Parjanen Tampereen yliopisto

DOI: https://doi.org/10.33336/aik.96874

Abstract

A. Etzioni's sociological theory of seeking correlation between value consensus and control can be applied in the macro-level debate dealing with the subject of values. The result obtained consists of four different society types; one of these is "active society". A responsive society of this kind is characterised by the concurrent presence of spontaneous consensus and of strong control and planning. The value debate also includes consideration being given to the conflict between public and private values and their chronological order. One of the inherent values of Finnish working life is the "need to do well". ls this perhaps what Finnish educational ideology also rests upon? Is it possible that even Finnish liberal adult education sacrifices itself on the altar of surviving, "needing to do well", and maintaining respectability? Are Finnish educational establishments turning into "balance-sheet establishments"? The author's answer to these questions is as follows: "Our value invalids are today's welfare cases! Even though bound to its balance-sheet, no responsible adult education policy should not ignore these people. Education should be responsive so that the job and ethics might go hand in hand."