The role of women remains a much discussed socio-political topic in Europe in the 21st century, as the road from legal equality to social parity is long. Gender inequalities continue to be found in areas such as work, education, health, power, money or time use. But what are the reasons for these differences? What are people's perceptions around the issue of gender equality in Europe?
The Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung addresses these questions in a European comparative perspective. In a representative survey, attitudes towards the perception of gender equality, stereotypes and gender roles were examined in Germany, Italy, Croatia, Poland and Sweden. On behalf of the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung, IPSOS interviewed around 2,000 people in each of these five countries by telephone between November 3, 2021 and March 22, 2022. In all five countries, the survey is representative of the population of 18 years and older eligible to vote at the national level.
Some main findings of our study are:
- In all selected countries, discrimination against women is perceived as a big or major issue. With the exception of Germany, women in all countries consider the issue to be more widespread than men do. What this shows, above all, is the high degree of sensitivity among respondents in relation to this issue.
- Women, especially young women, perceive disadvantages due to their gender. Male violence against women is still perceived as widespread.
- Statements skeptical of emancipation only find stronger support in isolated cases, although gender-based prejudices and traditional role models persist in part.
- Women are considered to hold important positions in society just as much as men. Both genders are similarly success-oriented, with young women actually exhibiting a greater focus than young men, on average.
- Political measures to achieve gender equality are strongly supported, and a majority is convinced that gender equality promotes economic development.
- No gender differences are found in political participation. Differences between men and women are evident in their own political confidence to participate in politics and in their political interest.
