17th November 2020
Residents in the regions blame women suffered from violence more often than the rest of the society, however, they are more critical about gender stereotypes. This became clear after carrying out population surveys in three municipalities that are participating in project “BRIDGE“: Alytus, Jonava and Ukmergė and comparing the answers with the results of the national survey.
Answers show differences between regional and national surveys
The “Spinter Research” surveyed residents living in the regions on their attitudes towards violence against women and gender roles. The results, which revealed a widespread accusation of women who are the victims of violence, have already been discussed in our previous publication.
In the part of the survey on gender roles, the biggest difference of opinion was observed in response to the statement “A husband should earn more than his wife or partner“. 29 % of respondents in regions agreed with that statement and 65 % opposed it. In the national survey this statement about economic gender inequality was supported by 61 % and objected by 35 % of respondents.
In the regions this stereotypical statement was also attributed to women, asking whether respondents agreed with the reverse statement “A woman should earn more than her husband or partner”. Statement was supported by fewer respondents in the regions – acceptance rate was at 6 %. The results were similar in all municipalities: in Alytus – 7 %, in Jonava – 5 %, in Ukmergė – 6 %. The results of the survey confirm that the role of family’s breadwinner is more often seen in men than women.
Another statement that received seemingly less support in the regions than in national survey was “Men are inherently aggressive”. This proposition was supported by 20 % of respondents: in Alytus – 22 %, in Jonava – 16 %, in Ukmergė – 21 %. Meanwhile, in the national public opinion polls 37 % of Lithuanian residents supported this stereotype. The opposite statement – “Women are inherently aggressive” – received far less support: only 8% of people in the regions agreed with that. In Alytus agreement rate was at 10 %, in Jonava – 8 %, in Ukmergė – 7 %.
Respondents in the regions were also better in noting the harassing behavior: the statement “A boy’s behavior when he pulls girl’s braids or lifts her skirt etc. is an innocent way to attract attention”. In the regions this statement was supported by 38 % and in the national survey by 45 % of respondents. This attitude was supported the least in Ukmergė (26 %). In Alytus and Jonava it was approved by 34 % of surveyed people. A reverse statement was assessed quite similarly – harassment of boys by girls is tolerated by a third of respondents.
On what issues do “double standards” apply to women and men?
In order to find out to what extent the norms for women and men are based on “double standards” (when identical behavior is treated differently according to gender) people in the regions were asked about the reverse stereotypes.
As mentioned before, the biggest gap (23 %) was seen while asking about breadwinner role. Quite significant difference between stereotypes about men and women was also observed when comparing the statements: “It is normal for men to get in a fight with each other” and “It is normal for women to get in a fight with each other”. Violence between males was considered normal by 18 % of respondents: in Alytus – 19 %, in Jonava – 18 %, in Ukmergė – 17 %. Whilst statement about women fighting women was supported only by 5 % of respondents: in Alytus – 4 %, in Jonava – 6 %, in Ukmergė – 5 %. Results of the survey represent that respondents tend to be more forgiving or tolerant about male-to-male violence.
Different assessments were also observed when asked about who should have a greater authority in the family. 18 % of respondents in the regions supported the statement “The father must have more authority in the family than the mother” and only 8 % agreed to the opposite proposition that it is the mother who must have more authority. Looking at the results, it seems much more acceptable for respondents to see a man than a woman as a head of the family.
Respondent’s opinion also differed in answering the question whether it is acceptable when the opinion of male is considered more important than the opinion of a woman or otherwise. 16 % of surveyed people agreed with sentence “It is normal to consider that men’s opinion is more important than of a woman” and only 8% supported the reverse one.
Both a wife and a husband have the duty to take care of each other’s housework
However, the survey also revealed those attitudes that the residents of the regions evaluate almost alike. When asked about prevalent jokes that make fun of women or men, respondents unanimously acknowledged that such jokes promote disrespect for both men and women. The statement “Jokes about a woman encourage disrespect for them” was approved by 63 % of respondents: in Jonava 66 %, in Ukmergė and Alytus 62 %. Also 64 % agreed with the statement “Jokes about men promote disrespect for them”. The highest number of supporters was in Jonava (67 %), the lowest in Alytus (62 %) and Ukmergė (64 %).
Responsibility to take care of each other’s housework was attributed to both a wife and a husband. The statement “Wife’s duty is to take care of her husband’s housework” was supported by 50 % of respondents: in Alytus – 46 %, in Jonava – 52 %, in Ukmergė – 50 %. The reverse statement “Husband’s duty is to take care of his wife’s housework” was supported by 48 % of respondents. The highest approval rate is seen in Jonava (52 %) and Ukmergė (49 %), the lowest – in Alytus (42 %).
The opinion that “Making love with a husband is the duty of a wife” was approved by 32 % of surveyed people: in Alytus – 34 %, in Jonava – 29 %, in Ukmergė – 32 %. The opposite proposal – “Making love with a wife is a husband’s duty” received similar percentage of support: 36 % of respondents agreed with that: in Alytus – 35 %, in Jonava and Ukmergė – 36 % each. To sum up, it reveals that one-third of people that participated in the survey consider the obligation to make love to their partner to be a normal part of the relationship.
The study was commissioned by the Office of the Equal Opportunities Ombudsperson and conducted by “Spinter Research”. The survey was conducted in February 2020. 612 respondents were interviewed during the study. Among the participants of the study, 45 % were men and 55 % women. Residents of target municipalities aged from 18 to 75 years old. Target municipalities: Alytus town, Jonava and Ukmergė district municipalities. Method of selection: quota sampling using gender, age and residence quotas. The study error is 4 %.
The article was prepared within the framework of the project “BRIDGE: reinforcing local communities to take action against gender-based violence in their close environment”. The project is co-funded by the Rights, Equality and Citizenship Programme of the European Union (2014-2020). The content of this article does not necessarily reflect the opinion or views of the European Commission.