kiertolaisuutta

Kiertolaisuus is a Finnish sociological concept that refers to a mode of life characterized by frequent movement and a low level of permanent attachment to a single location. The term is derived from kierto, meaning “circulation” or “tour,” combined with the suffix laisuus, which marks a state or quality. In contemporary research it is often discussed alongside mobility studies and the sociology of place.

The idea of kiertolaisuus builds on earlier notions of itinerancy, itinerant work, and transience that appear in both historical contexts and modern discussions of urban change. It can encompass the experiences of seasonal workers, students who study abroad, artists who change studios regularly, and the growing category of digital nomads who use technology to work while traveling. In each case the individual’s identity is co‑constructed through a series of temporally localized encounters, rather than being anchored by a single long‑term settlement.

Scholars see kiertolaisuus as a response to structural transformations in economies, employment, housing, and technology. Globalisation and the gig economy have increased the opportunities for and pressures toward a mobile lifestyle. At the same time, policy makers are starting to consider how to balance the benefits of a flexible workforce with the need for stable communities, housing affordability, and local cohesion.

The concept is also linked to debates about belonging. While mobility can foster cross‑cultural understanding, it can also create feelings of rootlessness or social exclusion. Accordingly, contemporary research on kiertolaisuus examines both the potential for broader networks and the risks of isolation. In practice, initiatives such as shared housing, urban mobility programs, and policy frameworks that provide flexible residency options are being used to manage the complex effects of a mobile society.