Power Struggles and Gender Roles

Evaluating the Historical Image of the Finnish Union of Secondary School Students

Abstract

In this article, we evaluate how the historical image of the Finnish Union of Secondary School Students (FUSSS, 1939–83) has been constructed and remembered. We assess how FUSSS activists from different backgrounds have participated in the construction of their organization’s historical image, and why certain themes are emphasized over others. Specifically, we focus on two themes: the period of intense party politics during the 1970s and the significance of gender. The historical image of FUSSS has evolved over several decades, yet the predominant narrative has centred around party politics and power struggles among young men. This has overshadowed other significant phases and accomplishments of FUSSS, including the emergence of young women as active participants in society.