A sustainable future is something that concerns us all. This is why research, too, is looking for new ways to support young people's agency in building one.
“We all have a future, but young people have the most to look forward to,” Postdoctoral Researcher Nina Tokola says.
She works as a senior researcher in the ALL-YOUTH project that, among other things, is looking for ways in which young people can support the goals of sustainable development. Young people are participating in the project as co-researchers who, together with academic ones, have co-created knowledge on sustainable development and well-being.
“Each co-researcher has had the opportunity to participate in a way that has felt comfortable to them. For instance, they have participated in various events and reflected on their feelings and ideas in autoethnographic diaries. Some, on the other hand, have preferred to be interviewed by academic researchers and to interview their peers. Indeed, our co-researchers have conducted peer interviews among young people, generating significant material for research. They have also analysed these materials and co-authored articles with academic researchers,” Tokola says.
Co-research can be eye-opening in terms of what the power relations in research are, and it can also crystallise viewpoints relating to research ethics. According to Tokola, co-research should be used when mapping different scenarios of, and paths into, the future. This would give all groups in our society a chance to share what they think the future will be like, and what they expect from it. Co-research is a method of research, but the process also creates opportunities for empowerment and feeling a sense of belonging.
It is crucial to tailor the work of each co-researcher to their needs, and to maintain dialogue. Researchers talk about parallel pathways on which the themes of research and young co-researchers’ motivations, values and ways of doing things cross one another.
“This creates mutual respect, which reduces hierarchy between co-researchers and academic ones.”
We all have a future, but young people have the most to look forward to.
Nina Tokola
Postdoctoral Researcher
Associations as a stepping-stone
The co-creation of knowledge began in March 2018, by a campfire in Rautavaara, eastern Finland. For Jenna Summala, Juni Sinkkonen and Jani Kuittinen, this marked the beginning of their journey into co-research. Already before, all of them had thought about the sustainable future and participation in their everyday life.
Sinkkonen is currently writing a Master’s thesis on young climate activists, and she is also one of the founders of a climate group under the Finnish Nature League’s Joensuu district.
“Collaboration is a powerful tool that gives us leverage over decision-makers and other bodies that have power to influence matters on a larger scale. Sharing ideas and feelings also gives strength, which is highly meaningful.”
Summala, too, is actively involved in the work of associations, including the Union of Upper Secondary School Students in Finland, and the Scouts. According to her, associations are a channel for influencing decision-making in our society.
“In this research project, I keep a diary where I describe my own, everyday climate action, among other things. I’ve been an active recycler ever since primary school, and I also cycle a lot. Small things play a big role in building a future that is sustainable.”
New channels and networks
Kuittinen has participated in various events and research interviews. He finds them as the most natural ways to voice his opinions on climate change and sustainable development.
“It is difficult for young people to bring about drastic change on their own, as individuals. This is why it is important to build our economic and societal structures at large so that they promote sustainable development. For instance, when a consumer goes shopping, they’d no longer have to worry about whether a product is climate-friendly or not.”
Sinkkonen started her co-research career by keeping an autoethnographic diary. As the project proceeded, she has also spoken in various conferences and participated in the writing of a scientific article.
“Being involved in this project has boosted my confidence in public speaking, and I’ve also felt that I’m an important member of the team. All this has been a positive driver that have given me access to new channels and expanded my networks.”
Taking a back seat
The concept of sustainable well-being has played a key role in the project. That refers to a future our planet can accommodate, and that ensures well-being for the environment, nature and humans.
“In this framework, we have let our young co-researchers reflect on their everyday life freely. In co-research, academic researchers bear the overall responsibility, and it is not possible to assign one’s research duties to co-researchers,” Tokola says.
She points out that academic researchers must also feel comfortable about taking a back seat to support co-researchers’ own agency.
“It has been a privilege to do research with our young co-researchers. They are highly competent, and I’ve been given an opportunity to learn what they think about a sustainable future.”
Putting pressure on decision-makers
Does the voice of young people get heard in decision-making that has far-reaching consequences for the future?
“There is always room for improvement,” Summala says.
She encourages more dialogue between decision-makers and young people.
“Politicians, too, are just people who can be approached about matters that are important to you.”
Sinkkonen points out that it is not enough just to listen; listening should also lead to action that is in line with young people’s wishes.
“It is easy for politicians to polish their image in the media by showing up to shake hands with and talk to young people. But words aren’t enough, we need action.”
Summala stresses the importance of putting pressure on decision-makers in order to safeguard a better future for our planet’s current inhabitants – and for generations to come.
