"The Freedom is the Best Thing". Forest Professionals' Life Values in a Changing Society

Authors

• Katri Kaunisto, MA, Research Fellow University of Helsinki

Keywords:

forestry work, oral history, occupations, freedom, nature, life values, modernization

Abstract

The longing for freedom is a basic characteristic of the modern individual. The concept of modernism in sociology has been attributed to industrialism, free mobility and individualism (Jallinoja 1991, 53-54; lnkeles & Smith 1976, 157). Paid labour, especially factory work, has usually been considered the hallmark of the modern individual, because it is regarded as providing freedom from the traditional bonds of religion, family and the local authorities. People adapt themselves voluntarily to the demands of the work, because it gives them the opportunity to improve their own quality of life. Forest work, too, has been regarded as modernising, because mobility and paid labour have increased independence from the traditiona agrarian community and facilitated the adoption of new products, innovations and ideas (Kumpulainen 2001 , 183-188).