Civilization is increasingly a political question. Social classes, values, and identities intersect, and civilization is no longer just a matter of education and knowledge, but also a question of power and inequality. Civilization is aspired to, but at the same time, it is criticized for elitism. Thus, civilization polarizes, but it is also used to polarize.

The panel will ask whether civilization is accessible to all, or does it create even more social divisions? Do all people strive for civilization, and should they even?

The topic will be discussed by University Lecturer in Economic Sociology Arttu Saarinen, Professor of Cultural Studies Tuija Saresma, and Rector of the University of Eastern Finland Tapio Määttä. Research Professor and Director of the Institute for Educational Research at the University of Jyväskylä Taina Saarinen will chair the event.

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Fancy a treat or lunch before or after a concert? Café Belvedere (Main Building, Seminaarinkatu 15) and Restaurant Ilokivi (Ilokivi Student Union Building, Keskussairaalantie 2) are ready to serve Jyväskylän Kesä guests at Seminaarinmäki during event days. Belvedere offers a wide selection of café treats and licensed beverages. Ilokivi serves lunch on weekdays from 11 to 14.

For more details on opening hours and our services, visit www.semma.fi or follow us on social media @semmarestaurants.

See you at Jyväskylän Kesä!

• Arttu Saarinen

  Arttu Saarinen works as a university lecturer in economic sociology at the University of Turku. In 2022, he published the non-fiction book Vastakkainasettelujen aika: Poliittinen polarisaatio ja Suomi, which translates to ‘The Age of Confrontations: Political Polarization and Finland’.

  “The increase in political polarization is a good thing for Finnish society.”

• Tapio Määttä

  Tapio Määttä holds a Doctor of Laws degree, is a Professor of Environmental Law, and has been the Rector of the University of Eastern Finland since the beginning of 2025.

  “Universities have an important role in a polarizing discussion climate as defenders of civilization and knowledge-based decision-making, and as a counterforce to superficial populism.”

• Tuija Saresma

  Tuija Saresma is a Professor of Cultural Studies at the University of Eastern Finland. Her research focuses on populism and hate speech.

   

  “In an era of superficial populism, when polarization is increased and ignorance is even boasted about, it is particularly important to hold on to civilization and nuanced discussion.”

• Taina Saarinen

  Research Professor Taina Saarinen heads the Institute for Educational Research at the University of Jyväskylä, and her current research focuses particularly on education policy and its future.