Arki 2026 is an international event series that examines how democracy and civil society appear in people’s everyday lives. The series combines time‑use research, political science, and sociology to explore how time is divided between work, care, rest, and participation — and what would be needed to make more room for civic engagement.
The central question is: what does democratic participation look like in daily life, and how is it shaped by the society we live in?
This is explored by comparing the Nordic countries (Finland and Norway), which are “WEIRD societies” characterized by high levels of trust and strong institutions, with Bosnia and Herzegovina, where everyday life is shaped by family networks and societal transformation. Together, these perspectives offer a rich picture of how the structures of daily life either enable or limit participation. The event series is held in English.
Session 4: Everyday Life in Bosnia
When: Tuesday 5 May, 18:00 CET/19:00 Finnish time
Where: University of Jyväskylä Library Päätelmä
This session will provide a comparative perspective on everyday life in Bosnia, focusing on how social structures, informal networks, and cultural practices shape democratic participation. It will examine themes such as youth engagement and political apathy, migration pressures, and the role of civil society. The session also explores how everyday practices (such as coffee culture and neighbourhood life) can function as spaces of social cohesion and informal participation, alongside questions of institutional trust and civic responsibility.
The session will feature both civil society and academic perspectives, followed by interactive discussion with participants. Attendees can join online or gather at the JYU Library.
Speakers:
Ajna Mešić (Youth Initiative For Human Rights)
Dr. Sarina Bakić (University of Sarajevo)
