The Policy Institute and Greek think tank ETERON publish new research on the gender divide in Greece

28 June 2024

The Policy Institute and Greek think tank ETERON publish new research on the gender divide in Greece

The research focused on issues including violence against women, respondents' views on gender relations and LGBTQ+ rights, among others

The Policy Institute, in partnership with Greek think tank ETERON - Institute for Research and Social Change, conducted a survey to assess the Greek population's views on gender as part of the Gender Divide project.

The key findings of the research are discussed below.

Support for Harsher Punishments for Crimes Against Women

The research results reveal very high levels of agreement on the need for crimes against women, such as violence, abuse, and killing, to be punished more severely than other crimes. Overall, 68.3% of respondents agree that crimes against women should be punished more harshly, while 27.9% disagree. Among women, 80.2% express the demand for measures against gender-based violence, while the corresponding percentage for men is significantly lower, at 56.4%.

Likelihood of Sexual Harassment from Strangers

79.5% of respondents believe that it is more likely for women to experience sexual harassment from a stranger.

Likelihood of Physical Abuse

79.4% of respondents believe that it is more likely for women to experience physical abuse. The belief that women are more likely to experience physical abuse strengthens with age.

Perceptions of Imprisonment Likelihood

Only 0.4% of respondents believe that it is more likely for women to go to prison, compared to 36.2% who believe it is equally likely for both genders. In contrast, 59.2% estimate that imprisonment is more likely for men.

Agreement on Punishments for Violence Against Women

68.3% of respondents agree or somewhat agree that crimes of violence against women should be punished more severely, compared to 27.9% who disagree or somewhat disagree.

Traditional Gender Views

67.4% of respondents agree or somewhat agree that it is difficult today to hold traditional views about gender relations, compared to 23.4% who disagree or somewhat disagree. Agreement with this view increases with age.

Same-Sex Marriage and Adoption

The percentage of citizens who agree or somewhat agree with same-sex marriage is steadily increasing. Conversely, on the issue of adoption, there is a slight but steady increase in the percentage of citizens who disagree or somewhat disagree. Thus, public perceptions on these two issues are following opposite trends.

The study received significant coverage in Greek media outlets, including LIFO, EFSYN, Proto Thema, News247, Reader and Insider.