The socio-economic adjustment of Finnish immigrants, with special reference to the utilization of social services

The purpose of this study is to examine the socio-economic adjustment of Finnish immigrants in Vancouver with a special reference to their use of social welfare services. It surveys the Finnish immigrants' living conditions, housing, interpersonal relationships and their knowledge of the English language. It focuses on Finnish immigrants' use of social assistance, social group work and recreation services, their opinions of, and attitudes toward, social welfare matters and their knowledge of social welfare services. The method of the study consists of three related parts: a) interviews with the personnel of Finnish associations and churches and with individual Finns, b) examination of the records of Vancouver City Social Service Department and some social group work and recreation agencies, and c) distribution of a questionnaire among the sample group of Finns. The sample group of 200 was selected from 800 adult Finns as indicated by the Vancouver City Directory 1954. This study shows that social welfare services are not used by the Finns in Vancouver except in extreme need. Social assistance is the most commonly used service. Finnish immigrants become dependent on social assistance because of sickness and lack of savings. Ethnic societies and churches play an important role in welfare of the Finns. The study seems to indicate that a number of Finns have difficulties in their adjustment to Canadian society. Difficulties arise from their lack of knowledge of the English language and their meagre economic resources on their arrival in Canada. These hamper the Finns in their social relationships. This study seems to suggest that if the difficulties of immigrants are to be alleviated, a more active program of selection, pre-migration preparation and follow-up services must be initiated by the Department of Citizenship and Immigration. Ethnic societies and churches must also take more responsibility in acquainting newcomers with the Canadian manner of living and attempt to bridge the gap that seems to exist between native Canadians and immigrant populations.Arts, Faculty ofSocial Work, School ofGraduat