Gender Divide (KCL Policy Institute × ETERON)
- Year:2024-2026
The Policy Institute at King’s College London and Greek think tank ETERON – Institute for Research and Social Change are delighted to announce a new partnership, focusing on in-depth studies of Greek voting behaviour and decision-making processes.
The partnership aspires to cultivate stronger ties between the British and Greek academic communities, laying the groundwork for future collaborations across different research areas.
Dr Georgios Samaras, Assistant Professor of Public Policy at the International School for Government – which his based within the Policy Institute – and lead researcher on this initiative, said:
“This collaboration comes at a pivotal political moment in Greece, as Western nations face increasing far-right radicalisation, amplified by online platforms. By examining the impact of these political attitudes in Greece, King’s can gain a deeper understanding of the local circumstances and how younger generations perceive societal progress.”
Christos Papagiannis, Director of ETERON, said:
“Beyond the endorsement of a prestigious educational institution, the collaboration fosters a culture of outward-facing engagement, facilitating the exchange of ideas, methodologies, and research findings.”
Dimitris Rapidis, the coordinator of the research on behalf of ETERON, said:
“In an international environment full of challenges for social research, the collaboration between ETERON and King’s College London opens new fields of action for both institutions and proves that the cooperation of people with vision, wherever they are geographically, serves as a guide for large projects with a broad social impact.”
Looking ahead, the forthcoming research endeavours will also incorporate the expertise of the ENA – Institute for Alternative Policies. Dr Nikos Erinakis from the University of Crete will assume an advisory role, working closely with both institutions to unravel the complexities of voting behaviour in Greece.
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.
