RuralCitizen - Significance and Impact of Rural Civic Action

The research examines rural civil society and, in particular, the core functions of civic action — as expressed through local civic activities — and their societal significance in the Finnish context. Grounded in participatory action research, this research and development project focuses on identifying the roles of rural civic activities as well as their social significance and impact. Conceptually and theoretically, the study is linked to research on civic engagement within the frameworks of civil society and participation studies, and more broadly to research on the relationship between civil society and the welfare state.

Key research questions:

• What are the core functions of rural civic action, and how are they expressed through local civic activities?
• What is the local and societal significance of community-based civic action in rural areas?
• How can the impact of rural civic action be measured, and which indicators are most suitable for this purpose?
• How is rural civil society positioned in relation to the national welfare system and its future development?

As key measures, in 2026 the project will organize a series of regional workshops, inviting central NGO and association actors from rural areas alongside representatives of municipalities, wellbeing services counties, and parishes. On the basis of the workshops, a “framework of impact indicators for rural civic action” will be developed and put into practice through a national survey in 2027, based on these indicators.

The project will generate knowledge on the significance and impact of rural civic action. The results of theresearch can be applied in development and collaboration work within local rural communities, municipalities, and regional wellbeing authorities, as well as in policymaking at various regional levels. The participatory action research process will produce a set of impact indicators and a survey model for national use to support the evaluation and monitoring of civic engagement in the future.

The project is carried out in cooperation between the Karelian Institute of the University of Eastern Finland and the Finnish Village Movement Association (Suomen Kylät ry). The research team includes Senior Researchers Mari Kattilakoski and Maarit Sireni from the Karelian Institute, and community developers Suvi Louhelainen and Johanna Niilivuo from the Finnish Village Movement.

In line with the participatory action research approach, research and development progress in tandem throughout the project, mutually supporting one another. This is a research approach conducted with and for people. Participatory action research combines scientific rigor with practical relevance – above all, fostering dialogue between the two.

The project is funded by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, based on a proposal from the Rural Policy Council’s project group, from national funds allocated to rural research and development projects under Makera.