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Sociologists hold that trust is the basis of social accord27.05.2002
The Commission on Social Development called into being by the President's Academic Council, yesterday at Paslepa discussed social and educational problems facing Estonia whereas they took special heed of President Rüütel's proposal to reach a social accord.
Professor Raivo Vettik, highly estimating the initiative to reach the accord, analysed chances of it in the light of the sociologists' appeal made a year ago. Professor of Economics Alari Purju emphasized that the framework of the accord was set by our economy, and likewise, by models used to develop our economy.
The Members of the Commission noted that the readiness of Estonian society to conclude agreements was modest since in several areas there was lack of relevant policies helping to inspire trust. Sociologist Iiris Pettai presented the results of a fresh research estimating the trust potential in our society, which indicated that, in Estonia, the mutual distrust between social groups was very big and the self-confidence of people too low. Yet, in order to agree on anything important, trust, common values and co-operation were needed, the Members of the Commission on Social Development underscored. At the same time they found that by an honest analysis of problems and by setting the right aims it was possible to enhance the people's self-confidence and self-reliance. As a result of the discussion, the thought lingered that the accomplishments of Estonia should be turned into a shared win of our people, producing well-being to all.
Mikk Titma, the Chairman of the Commission, analysed the situation of basic education obtaining ever more elite character, and the development potential of such a society in which students' age groups are diminishing year after year.
The Directress of the Estonian Institute of Economic Research, Marje Josing, presented the results of a research into alcohol policy, and Assistant Professor Marika Arro from the Tartu University gave an overview of the growing number of drug addicts and HIV-positives. Emeritus Professor of the Tartu University Ene-Margit Tiit evaluated the demographic behaviour of Estonians, due to the changes in traditional family models and to the process of urbanization, and gave examples from other countries in which similar processes had prompted the governments to balance the population structure by supporting the birthrate.
Press Service of the Office of the President
Kadriorg, May 27, 2002
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