The survey aimed at studying social welfare and opinions on welfare services in the region of North Karelia (Finland). Respondents evaluated their financial and housing situation, interpesonal relations, leisure opportunities, power to control their own life, and the accessibility of services. Respondents were asked whether certain developments were an advantage to Finland: EU membership, the number of foreigners travelling or working in Finland, the number of refugees and the internationalization of the country. They rated the importance of various bodies (e.g. relatives, neighbours, voluntary workers or organizations, municipal or government officials, private service providers) in providing help and support. Social networks were charted by asking how often and from whom respondents receive help, and whom respondents themselves help. The state of existing welfare services was charted by presenting a list of different social, health, employment and KELA services, and asking respondents to state whether they had used these services, and to rate their quality. Opinions on private health and social services (e.g. pharmacies, private medical services, home and child care services) were charted in a similar way. Some questions pertained to whether welfare service costs should be covered by public funding or by customer fees, would a one-stop shop in their district be beneficial for accessing various welfare services, and should social services be privatized. Respondents assessed the future availability of social, health and employment services and the services offered by the Social Insurance Institution of Finland (KELA). One theme pertained to computer use, computer skills, and the use of online services via the Internet (e.g. banking or employment services, library services, online shopping, e-mail). Background variables included the respondent's sex, year of birth, basic and occupational education, household size, main economic activity, housing tenure, duration of residence in the district, moving intentions, and satisfaction with public transport.

2004