SS 13.30-15.00 Special sessions

SOCIAL CONSTRUCTION OF POLITICAL WILL FOR TOBACCO RESTRICTIONS IN FINLAND

This study is a part of a larger project which aims to examine the background of the changes in the social position of smoking during the last decades. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the policy making processes behind the Finnish tobacco legislation.

The analytical framework of the study is based on the theory of social constructionism developed in the study of social problems. The data of the study consists of the proceedings of Parliament and other documentary sources as well as the theme interviews of fourteen persons involved in the formulation of tobacco policy.

The results reveal the central claims and definitions of tobacco problem upon which political will for smoking control is founded, the counter definitions and claims against restrictions and the central claims-makers of the policy making processes. It is interesting to note that Parliament has been inclined to stricter restrictions than the Government of the country. However, the basic contradictions can be placed in the realm of civil society, between activists and interest groups concerned about health effects of smoking on the one side and tobacco companies and their allies on the other side. The struggle over the direction of smoking will be continued.

Smoke Free Europe Conference Abstracts - 19 SEP 1996

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