The recent study “Gender Divide,” conducted by King’s College London in collaboration with the Greek think tank ETERON, explores the persistent gender divide in Greece. It examines societal attitudes towards gender relations, violence against women, and LGBTQ+ rights. ETERON recruited 2,074 participants aged 17 and older, identifying as men or women, to respond to questions addressing these issues. This research provides a nuanced understanding of ongoing gender-related challenges in Greek society.

Key findings reveal significant differences in perceptions between men and women, particularly regarding the necessity of harsher punishments for gender-based crimes. An overwhelming 80.2% of women support stronger penalties, compared to only 56.4% of men. These figures highlight a notable gender-based disparity in attitudes toward justice and the protection of women. Additionally, the study underscores concerns about the likelihood of women experiencing physical abuse and sexual harassment, with these fears increasing with age.

This research forms part of a broader collaboration between ETERON and King’s College London, aimed at fostering closer academic ties between Greece and the United Kingdom. This partnership is particularly significant as it comes amid growing political radicalisation across Europe, providing an opportunity to deepen the understanding of public opinion and political ideologies in Greece. The collaboration also includes participation from the ENA – Institute for Alternative Policies, which offers advisory support for future research projects, further expanding the scope of this international academic synergy.

The study indicates that while the moral panic seen in other parts of Europe has not fully emerged in Greece, several pressing issues warrant attention. A significant finding is the notably lower support among men for the legal recognition of the term ‘femicide.’ Additionally, there is considerable resistance to implementing tougher sentences for crimes against women, as evidenced by responses from male participants. These attitudes underscore the challenges Greece faces in addressing gendered violence and achieving greater gender equality.

Gendered violence in Greece

A notable finding is that 75.1% of Greeks acknowledge living in a patriarchal society. While this recognition doesn’t necessarily indicate whether their attitudes toward patriarchy are positive or negative, it does demonstrate a clear awareness of a fundamental aspect of Greek society. This realism is important because patriarchy is often seen as a key driver of gendered violence across Western nations. Recognizing this is essential for addressing related issues.

Another crucial aspect is the understanding of patriarchy’s nature. The study’s results were shaped by preliminary questions designed to establish context before delving into the more critical and sensitive parts of the questionnaire. These subsequent sections explored specific issues related to violence, societal norms around inequality, and the recent surge in femicides that have profoundly impacted women across the country.

One of the most striking findings regarding crimes against women lies in the stark difference between male and female support for tougher sentencing. Despite the widespread recognition of the issue and numerous studies advocating for a review of existing laws, there remains a significant gender gap in support for stricter legislation.

The data reveals that nearly 25% fewer men compared to women agree on the necessity of implementing tougher sentences for crimes against women. This disparity highlights a critical challenge in advancing legal reforms aimed at better protecting women. It suggests a notable reluctance among men to endorse stronger punitive measures, which could hinder progress toward ensuring women’s safety.

There is a notable consistency between some of the findings from ETERON and the Policy Institute’s analysis, particularly in the generational differences regarding support for tougher sentences against gendered violence. Older generations show significantly higher levels of support for harsher penalties, while this support diminishes among younger age groups, starting from age 17. This trend raises concerns about the influence of unfiltered misogyny and hate speech, which have been increasingly prevalent in online spaces and social media. The exposure of young people to such toxic content appears to be contributing to a decline in support for stricter measures against gendered violence, which poses a worrying trend for the future.

Understanding of femicide

The ongoing debate on femicides has intensified following the tragic incident in Agioi Anargyroi in May 2024, where a Greek woman was murdered outside a local police station by her abusive ex-boyfriend after police refused her safe transportation home. This tragic event has galvanized public opinion, leading to a growing consensus on the need for legal reforms to better safeguard women against gender-based violence.

In this context, younger age groups, particularly those aged 17-24, 25-34, and 35-44, show higher levels of support for the legislation, while older generations exhibit slightly lower support, with just over 60% in favour. However, as noted earlier, the primary issue remains within the male demographic, where only slightly more than 50% support the legal recognition of the term “femicide.” This is consistent with the previously observed lower levels of support among men for tougher sentences, highlighting a persistent gender gap in attitudes towards addressing gender-based violence through legal measures. Addressing this gap is crucial for the success of any legal reforms aimed at combating femicide and enhancing the safety and rights of women.

Same-sex marriage

While the government, with support from the left, acted swiftly to legalise same-sex marriage in February, the results of the 2024 European Parliament election were widely perceived as a referendum on this bill. Although there is no concrete evidence to support this interpretation, it is worth noting that public sentiment appears to be increasingly in favour of the government’s legislation. This growing support suggests that the government’s move to legalise same-sex marriage is resonating positively with a broader segment of the Greek population, reflecting a shift in societal attitudes towards inclusivity and equal rights for all.

Importantly, younger generations have shown significantly greater support for the bill, while older generations and men exhibit a decline in their backing. Despite the resurgence of homophobic sentiment earlier in 2024, including homophobic remarks from former Prime Minister Antonis Samaras, the bill has remained uncontested, and the first same-sex marriages proceeded without any issues. This demonstrates that despite some resistance, the legislation has been successfully implemented, reflecting a shift in societal attitudes towards greater acceptance and equality. The peaceful and successful enactment of this legislation marks a significant milestone in the ongoing struggle for LGBTQ+ rights in Greece.

There is no doubt that the sustained support for same-sex marriage and the recent legislation represent significant steps toward a more equal society in a country that has historically struggled with systemic homophobia, including within governmental policymaking. Despite the challenges encountered with similar bills in the past, both SYRIZA and New Democracy have gradually advanced toward creating equal opportunities for same-sex couples in Greece. This progress is a testament to the growing recognition of LGBTQ+ rights as fundamental human rights. While many challenges remain, there is hope that the country will continue on this progressive path, further solidifying the rights and protections for all its citizens.

Note: This article gives the views of the author, not the position of Greece@LSE, the Hellenic Observatory or the London School of Economics.