The 1980s are often associated with flamboyance, angularity and selfishness. Optimism and bright faith in the future were also characteristic of the era. However, the decade was very contradictory.
He was amazed at how little time has been studied from the perspective of culture.
– The 1980s is a really diverse and interesting era. Major changes took place in society and in people’s daily lives, which, however, happened much more slowly than today.
Sarantola-Weiss has previously written about everyday life in the 1970s, so it was natural to tackle the 80s. The work We wanted everything (Siltala), which was published recently, was born.
Individuals out
While in the 1970s the emphasis was on community and changing society together, in the 1980s the emphasis was on the individual.
– In the 1970s, speeches emphasized democracy and equality. In the 80s, we start talking about what individuals want to do. The media also began to strongly highlight individuals.
Sarantola-Weiss considers the liberation of the spiritual atmosphere to be the biggest change. According to him, Finns relaxed in the 80s.
– We dared to spend money. Until then, we had mostly saved and tried to live modestly. Some kind of lightness came into life, which had not been there before.
In the 1980s, many became prosperous, some even became rich. We started talking about young urban professionals, whose lavish lifestyle was admired and frowned upon.
Money was also talked about. It was no longer a silent taboo.
– Prosperity brought many new opportunities. It also gave me confidence.
Spending was part of the lifestyle
How you remember the 1980s depends a lot on how old you were at the time. Especially for young adults, the period gave its best sides, because there was a lot of work available. The unemployment rate was low, so students were almost forced to work.
– I myself remember how soon after my studies I started getting jobs in my field, recalls Minna Sarantola-Weiss.
The 1980s is also essentially associated with city culture. An urban, consumption-oriented lifestyle was sought in the cities. Nightlife became freer and there was an investment in showiness.
The gap between the cities and the countryside was large, but little by little, neon-colored windbreakers took over the provinces as well.
The colors were bright and the shapes angular
The homes also got an 80s look. Leather sofas, especially white ones, were popular. The color scheme was bright and the shapes angular.
– The change in aesthetics is related to the energy of the era. The difference was big compared to the earthiness, softness and round shapes of the 1970s.
Fashion trends were sought from abroad. Taivaskanavat and Music Television instantly brought the latest trends to Finland as well.
– In the 80s, it started to be accepted that you can dress spectacularly and stylishly. Until then, dressing had been marked by a culture of modesty.
There were significant changes in the everyday life of homes when the microwave oven found its way into kitchens. It made cooking easier and faster. Various video and cassette recorders were also successful. You could listen to music all the time, and VHS cassettes freed you from linear TV viewing.
– The popularity of these devices is certainly explained by speed and the increase in individual choice.
There are also a lot of things that were clearly left in the 80s. For example, no one has missed the water beds. According to Minna Sarantola-Weiss, it is also a common misconception that \”everyone\” had a waterbed. In fact, one could only be found in every tenth household. The space-consuming and difficult-to-maintain bed was quickly forgotten.
The music has remained in the memories
Minna Sarantola-Weiss has talked a lot about the 1980s with her acquaintances. One thing stands out in the speeches – the music.
– It is the most important memory for many.
So it’s no wonder that the hits of the 80s are still playing heavily on the radio. Finland also had its own musical phenomena, such as Dingo hysteria and Hanoi Rocks’ world conquest.
Although the 80s are considered a decade of optimism and a hopeful future, there are also fears associated with it. Even then, relations between the great powers were tense and people were afraid of nuclear war. The Chernobyl nuclear power plant accident in 1986 did not dispel fears. In the same year, the Swedish Prime Minister Olof Palme was assassinated and it shocked the Finns as well.
The mild 1980s were followed by the depression of the 1990s. The rapid change in mood has also affected the interpretation of the 80s. Looking through the recession, the 80s seem dizzying and overshooting. Viewed from today, the era can even be envied.
– Back then, it was strongly believed that things would change for the better and that all the threads were in one’s own hands.
_You can discuss the matter on 30.8. until 11 p.m._