Risto Eräsaari, Social Policy Theorist, Dies at 80

Emeritus Professor Risto Eräsaari, a prominent theorist in social policy, died on July 14, 2026, following a brief illness. He was 80 years old. Born in Hämeenlinna, Eräsaari's academic journey began after his military service, leading him to the University of Helsinki where he majored in social policy.

Eräsaari's career spanned several decades and institutions. He served as an assistant in social policy, a junior researcher at the Academy of Finland, and later as a senior assistant and then professor of social policy at the University of Jyväskylä. He also held the position of dean of the faculty of social sciences at Jyväskylä. In 1997, he returned to Helsinki to take up a professorship in social policy at the University of Helsinki.

Internationally recognized, Eräsaari was an avid follower and proponent of global academic discourse. He introduced influential concepts, such as German sociologist Ulrich Beck's "risk society," into Finnish social science. His edited works, including "Hyvinvointivaltion tragedia" (The Tragedy of the Welfare State) and "Työväenkysymyksestä sosiaalipolitiikkaan" (From the Labor Question to Social Policy), became essential reading for university students across Finland.

Known for his engaging lectures, Eräsaari inspired students with the complexities of social policy. Colleagues and students alike praised his extensive knowledge and the intellectual stimulation he provided. He was also a dedicated supervisor of doctoral dissertations. Beyond academia, Eräsaari pursued his passions for cross-country skiing in fell landscapes and chamber music. Even as an emeritus professor, he remained actively engaged in his field, continuing to write and supervise research until his final days.