When One Does Not Want to Be Like Others. The Basis of the Sense of Control among Conservative Laestadian Mothers with Large Families

• Main Author: Leena Pesälä
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Population Research Institute of Väestöliitto 2004-01-01
• Series: Finnish Yearbook of Population Research
• Online Access: https://journal.fi/fypr/article/view/45003

Large families are the most characteristic feature of the Conservative Laestadian revivalist movement. In this research project belonging to the ? eld of psychology my aim is to describe the facts on which the sense of control of the Laestadian mothers with large families is based. My research method is a qualitative contents analysis. The results indicate that the mothers personal faith is the most important element in their sense of control. The values based on the Conservative Laestadian beliefs give a clear and safe structure for life. The most important role of the spouse is to support his wife emotionally, socially and spiritually. Behind the active parenthood of the mothers are the life management skills acquired in their families of origin as well as the experience acquired from motherhood. Family members share both mental and physical responsibilities, consequently supporting the mother. The mothers did not experience that they should not behave according to the family planning practises characteristic of our time. They do not want to be like others.