Karjalan evakot Suomen historian oppikirjoissa: kolme näkökulmaa 1940-luvulta 2010-luvulle

Abstract


 
 
 Karelian evacuees in Finnish history textbooks: three perspectives from the 1940s to the 2010s
 The article examines how Karelian evacuees have been described in Finnish history textbooks from the 1940s to the 2010s. From the data, three main ways in which the topic has been addressed were identified: the achievement, prob- lem, and suffering perspectives. In terms of achievement, the re-settlement of the evacuees is presented as a sign of the unity of the Finns and the tenacity of the Karelians. In presenting the evacuees as a problem, the authors of the textbooks, in turn, emphasise the effects of migration and settlement activities on the national economy. The third, and most recent, perspective is to highlight individuals’ experiences of evacuation and the human suffering associated with losing their home area. Based on the data, the role of evacuees as part of the overall story of Finnish history conveyed by the study materials is rela- tively small, offering little material for building historical identity. A broader treatment of the topic in the teaching of history would make it possible to, for example, practice the skills of historical empathy.