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Your daily routine is a political act.
Everyday Life, Time Use, and Democratic Participation
Arki 2026 (from the Finnish word arki, meaning “everyday life”) is an international event series exploring the social science of everyday life. How people use their time in modern societies? And how routines of society shape democratic participation?
This spring, we are organising sessions as part of FORTHEM Democracy Week, in collaboration with partners across Finland, Bosnia, and Norway.
The sessions bring together social scientists and university students,to reflect on how everyday life — work, caregiving, routines, and time pressure — influences our ability to take part in democracy.
About the Event
- Locations: University of Jyväskylä (Finland), Sarajevo (Bosnia), Agder (Norway)
- Format: Hybrid (on-site + online participation)
The sessions combine expert input, discussion, and interactive elements, including workshop-style activities where participants reflect on their own daily lives and opportunities for civic engagement.
Programme
Session 1: Everyday Life in Finland
📍 University of Jyväskylä (Alvar Aallonkatu 9, Jyväskylä, RUUD101 (Juho)) + Online
📅 Wednesday 8 April 2026
🕒 14:15 – 15:45 (Finland) / 13:15 – 14:45 (CET)
This session explores how everyday life in Finland is structured and how this supports democratic participation. Topics include trust, equality, work-life balance, and shared social rhythms.
Speaker:
- Elina Hakoniemi (Demos Helsinki)
Session 2: Caregiving on a Tight Schedule
📍University of Jyväskylä (Alvar Aallonkatu 9, Jyväskylä, RUUD101 (Juho)) + Online
📅 Thursday 23 April 2026
🕒 15:45 – 17:15 (Finland) / 14:45 – 16:15 (CET)
This session focuses on time poverty, family life, and caregiving. It explores how daily pressures affect wellbeing and limit opportunities for civic participation.
Speaker:
- Alexander Ruser (University of Agder, remote)
Session 3: Making Time for Democracy (Workshop)
📍 University of Agder, Norway
📅 Monday 4 May 2026
🕒 12:00 – 14:00 Norway/CET
An interactive workshop at the University of Agder where participants reflect on their weekly schedules and explore how democratic participation can fit into everyday life. The session includes group work and discussion.
Session 4: Everyday Life in Bosnia
📍 Sarajevo (Bosnia) + Online
📅 May 5 2026
🕒 Time to be confirmed
This session examines everyday life and democratic participation in Bosnia, offering a comparative perspective on how social conditions and institutions shape civic engagement.
Speakers:
- Ajna Mešić (Youth Initiative For Human Rights)
- Dr. Sarina Bakić (University of Sarajevo)
✍️ Sign Up
We welcome students, researchers, and anyone interested in democracy and everyday life.
If you have any questions on Arki, please email: lehtonen@futuredemo.org
Arki 2026 is an event organized by Student Network on Future Democracy, Future Demo ry, Democracy International e.V. and FORTHEM University Alliance