Exploring Social Boundaries From Below: Class, Ideology and Writing Practices in 19th Century Finland

The project focuses on the boundaries between and within classes in 19th century Finland. The perspective from below indicates that the emphasis is on non-privileged people, their experiences, writing practices and points of view. By expressing, challenging and contesting social boundaries in their texts, self-taught writers found a way to engage in the processes through which the Finnish society moved from the hierarchical estate system towards a civic society.