Fellman was one of the key researchers on the 'Insular' project, herself born and raised in Åland. She expands: – A calmer pace of life is one attraction. Others include the smaller scale of the settlements, and the fact that they are considered safe environments for children to grow up in.
Lower house prices can be another asset. Even for the more densely populated areas such as Gotland and Bornholm, house prices are still lower than in the capital areas, something that is particularly attrac-tive in relation to the increasing opportunity for distance working.
Cultural and historical heritage are important, as are 'the importance of ones roots', while access to nature and 'the outdoor life' scores highly in the Kainuu region, both in relation to being able to stay or to move back.
– On the other hand, insular communities are small, and if one does not fit in with the majority, one might easily have a difficult life, underlines Fellman: – In Åland for example, an open housing market for newcomers does not really exist. It is easier if one has contacts. There is a shortage of houses for rent, while in addition, it is necessary to possess the right of domicile to own and hold real estate in Åland.
Living in insular areas or relocating to these regions often involves an element of 'trade off' between a career and a perceived better quality of life.
– Several interviewees mentioned how it was difficult to find a job that matched their qualifications and the salaries that one could get in other labour markets, Fellman explains. – Quality of life factors however made it worth staying on, or at least contributed to the reasons for relocating or returning to the area, she adds.
There is no doubt that social capital and social networks play an important role in terms of people's ability to make a living in insular areas. Many of the individuals interviewed had found a job through their social networks. Indeed, it is some times the case that people are hired, without having the optimal qualifi-cations, simply because they belong to the place.
An example of the importance of such shared norms and values is the emphasis put on the 'hard work' ethic in Åland, Eyjafjör∂ur, and Ulstein, in the latter this is also combined with traditional puritan norms.
Having a job is a core element of being in these areas and thus provides those individuals without one with a strong moti-vating force to find a job, move to another area for work, commute on a weekly basis, or start a business to make a living.
In the Ulstein region, the working norm is particularly strong among men, while it is a fully accepted norm for women with young children to take time out of the labour market and be full time homemakers.
Katarina Fellman