Researcher of the month: Susanna Mansikkamäki

I am currently researching a dark chapter in Finnish history—one that leads directly to the core of humanity. My focus is on the forced sterilization law that was part of racial hygiene policy and was valid in Finland from 1935 to 1970. In my doctoral dissertation, I analyze how and what kind of deviance was constructed in relation to underage children and adolescents when different authorities interpreted the sterilization law. My research material includes all minors who were sterilized in Finland, and writings from medical journals. Monitoring the quality of the population and influencing it—also through sterilization—was used as a tool of population policy, especially during the 20th century in many parts of the world.

This topic is important because history is once again becoming alive. The core idea of racial hygiene—the classification of people as useful or useless, right or wrong—has been strongly present in how government policies are now targeting specific groups of people. Additionally, advances in genetic research have increasingly enabled interference in the regulation of human life, raising significant ethical concerns. Whose life is valuable? Who is considered suitable to become a parent? And who holds the power to decide on such fundamental matters?

My workdays involve reading the archive material and analyzing how the archives connect to the era’s social policy. Luckily, I can share thoughts and frustrations with my wonderful colleagues. The eccentric humor of the Ostrobothnian spirit and buckets of coffee in good company are an inseparable part of my daily routine. I no longer "work out" by lugging books and articles home like a stereotypical academic. I believe in healthy self-esteem and a positive working culture at the university as well.

I collaborate with Dr. Lilja Aikio, who specializes in the study of deviance. I highly recommend co-writing to everyone—it has brought out the best aspects of doing science and of my own thinking. The height our ideas can reach surprises me every time, and solutions to problems are often found in nanoseconds. Alongside our intense, long workdays, we solve the world’s problems while enjoying Lilja’s delicious cooking, and many challenges in data analysis have been unraveled while gazing at the sea.

When I’m not doing research, I’m running a metaphorical three-legged race with my three wonderful children and two cats. The hustle and bustle of everyday life keeps this historian grounded and fully present. I love modern dance, art, and novels that push the boundaries of thought and break through the stoic Finnish mental landscape. In the summer, you’ll find me climbing trees, getting lost in berry forests, or walking barefoot on rocky shores. Painting furniture in every color to my children’s dismay and writing bold books also give me an energy boost for academic work.

To all those working in research, especially those doing solitary basic research and constantly struggling with funding: Believe in yourself and your work. Be a stubborn soul and keep applying for funding—even after 47 rejections. A huge thank you to the Jenny and Antti Wihuri Foundation for believing in me and my research with their most recent grant. You made it possible for me to complete my dissertation. Thanks also to the Southwest Finland Cultural Foundation and the Turku University Foundation for their grants. And a message to the ivory towers: Universities are full of amazing people! So come down from the tower and get to know them.

Researcher of the Month is a joint publication series of the Faculty of Education's Centres for Research CERLI and CELE, presenting one researcher once a month. The previously published presentations have been compiled on the series' website.