The norm of solidarity: Experiencing negative aspects of community life after a school shooting tragedy

Abstract

•  Summary: Recent rampage shootings at schools have provoked intense academic discussion. While there have been two recent school shootings in Finland, there is not much empirical research focusing on these incidents. What is particularly lacking is research on community reaction to this type of mass violence. In this article, we take a look at the negative aspects of solidarity after a shooting incident in a small Finnish community of Jokela. We explore community experience on shootings through two types of empirical measures. The research material consists of a mail survey of the local residents and focused interviews of professional experts. •  Findings: Our results suggest that there was a rise in social solidarity after the shooting tragedy. However, the increased level of solidarity was also followed by a variety of negative phenomena such as strengthened group divisions between youth and adults, social stigmatization, and feelings of collective guilt. These experiences are familiar in the cultural trauma processes. •  Applications: In general, the article points out that mass violence has long-term impact on people’s social engagement and interaction patterns. Similar processes can be argued to be particularly significant when studying relatively small communities.