Deaf Finnish adults' views of their society: knowledge, satisfaction, values and attitudes

Deaf Finnish adults were studied as a language minority to assess their knowledge of Finnish society. This study addresses their level of satisfaction with and participation in Finnish society. Information was obtained from 63 individuals. The complete sample included 32 men and 31 women. The age range was from 17 to 78, with a mean age of 41 years. Females tended to score higher than males on measures of knowledge with younger respondents scoring higher than older respondents. Men tended to show higher levels of overall satisfaction, with no age differences on this construct. Satisfaction was expressed with the Finnish Republic, services for the deaf, law and order and wages earned. Dissatisfaction was expressed with the cost of living, education and the lack of equality with the hearing.