Having a top-class mindset? Post-feminism and the co-construction of class and mindset among young Finnish women

Abstract

ABSTRACT Young white women are presented as winners in neoliberal governmental discourses, but despite the assumption that they are in a privileged position, not all young women reach the top. This paradox, elaborated here from different angles in research inspired by post-feminism and neoliberalism, calls for a focus on class-based differences among young women and their mindsets. Drawing on semi-structured interviews with Finnish women aged 18–28, this article contributes empirically to theoretical debates on the psychic lives of young women who are making educational choices and entering the labour market. The article shows how, even in egalitarian Finland, class still adds to the gender harms done to young women, contributing to their feelings of mistrust and hopelessness. The article also suggests that a privileged background makes it possible to consider atypical choices, such as individual, well-managed time out that prepares young women to make achievements in the future.