Eläinkysymys julkishallinnossa: institutionaalinen asema ja vastuut

Abstract

The article examines the position of the animal question in Finnish public administration and analyzes its institutionalization through the concept of isomorphism. It analyzes how responsibilities for animals are distributed across governance levels and how the animal question is positioned in relation to environmental issues. It also examines what institutional factors influence the integration of animal-centered policy and animal governance within administrative structures. The material consists of regulatory documents and expert interviews. The documents were used to construct schematic representations illustrating the division of responsibilities and supervisory relationships, and the interviews were analyzed with theory-driven content analysis. The findings suggest that the weak institutionalization of animal-centered values sustains fragmented administrative structure and hinders coherent policy development. The animal question is typically treated as secondary to environmental issues. A stronger position could develop as a distinct policy field or through integration into established sectors