Welfare and inequalities

STAKES undertakes research on living conditions, welfare and health generally, by population group and regionally. In analysing welfare policy, the focus of interest is the prevention of poverty and social deprivation and the elimination of social problems detected. Research also centres on equality issues, such as the distribution of health service use. To safeguard welfare, it is important to conduct research on alcohol and drug use and harms among the population.

Research themes

Welfare, income distribution and living conditions

This thematic area is concerned with research on trends in welfare and living conditions among the population and differences between population groups in the distribution of welfare and living conditions. More specifically, research is carried out on trends in income distribution, in addition to which analysis is done on how income transfer decisions impact on income levels and income distribution in different population groups and related inequalities. The aim is to identify factors contributing to welfare development. In addition, the research interests include regional welfare trends and differences.

Poverty and social deprivation

STAKES undertakes research on the scope, nature and distribution of poverty and social deprivation. Research is done in order to find causes of poverty, and poverty trends are analysed nationally and compared with international trends. In the analysis of poverty, the focus is on permanent and recurring poverty and on what kind of poverty mobility exists in Finland. The aim is to address issues such as the intergenerational nature of social deprivation and social mobility in general. In addition, the thematic area is concerned with research on the life situations of disadvantaged groups of people, with special attention given to the situation and social position of homeless and long-term unemployed people. Further, the operation of official and unofficial systems in improving the position of disadvantaged people is analysed.

Health inequalities

This thematic area is concerned with research on health policy targets and target attainment related to equality in health, as well as the reduction of health inequalities. Research is done particularly on socio-economic and regional differences in the availability, use, quality and outcomes of treatment.

Alcohol and drug use and related harms and trends

This thematic area is concerned with research on alcohol and drug use patterns and trends, the reasons behind substance use, and the meanings given to it by users. The aim is to identify harms caused to the individual and society by the use of different substances and different ways of using them. Research is also done on the distribution of harms between different groups. In analysing treatment of alcohol and drug abusers, the focus is on ways of organising treatment and possible changes in treatment systems. Research interests further include the service access of different groups of people with substance abuse problems, such as abusers of different substances and people residing in different parts of Finland.