Study title

The dataset consists of self-administered written texts on memories or experiences related to maternity packages across several decades. The main themes of the texts include the choice to receive the maternity package, the products included in the package and the meaning of the maternity package. The data collection was organised by the Finnish Literature Society in cooperation with the research project Baby Box as an Emotional Object: the Sociomaterial Experiences of the Finnish Welfare State from the 1930s to the Present, led by Tanja Vahtikari (University of Tampere). The writing invitation was targeted at individuals with memories or experiences related to maternity packages. The writing guidelines included directed participants to write about, for example, the way maternity packages are talked about, views and stories related to maternity packages in their immediate circle and the wider public, the feelings associated with receiving the maternity package, and the most memorable products included in the package. Participants were also given the opportunity to reflect on the importance of the maternity package in Finland's recent history and whether they perceive it as a symbol of the Finnish welfare state. The themes that emerged from the texts included the ways maternity packages are talked about, the sentimental and practical value of the package, the way that the maternity package had made becoming a parent tangible, and the role of the maternity package in the Finnish welfare society. Background information included the participant's gender, year of birth, occupation and area of residence. The data were organised into an easy to use HTML version at FSD. The dataset is only available in Finnish.