Czech survey shows more people believe discrimination is a big problem

The number of people who consider discrimination in the Czech Republic to be a big problem has risen slightly once again. Currently 74 % of Czechs share that opinion compared to 70 % one year ago and only 47 % four years ago.

Half of those surveyed are also convinced that discrimination has increased during the past 10 years. They believe the most serious forms are disadvantage based on age and discrimination on the basis of nationality and race. 

The survey was performed by the STEM agency between 20 and 27 May with a sample of 1 000 people. Perceptions of discrimination in Czech society, according to STEM, have been transformed significantly in recent years. 

In 2003, 2009 and 2010 roughly half of the public considered discrimination a serious problem. Since 2011, the proportion of those believing discrimination is a big problem has been gradually increasing. 

Currently only one-fourth of the public believes discrimination in the Czech Republic is quite a marginal or small-scale problem. The survey found that 48 % of those surveyed believe the degree of disadvantage suffered by certain population groups has risen during the past 10 years. 

According to 44 % of the respondents, the situation in this area is not changing, and according to 10 % of those surveyed, discrimination is actually declining. While this most recent research did not show a further increase in an expressly negative evaluation of developments in the area of discrimination, the number of those who believe discrimination is rising continues to be slightly higher than the number of those who consider the situation to be stable.

Most of those surveyed, a total of 44 %, consider people to be most seriously disadvantaged on the basis of age. In second place, 21 % believe discrimination on the basis of nationality and race to be the most serious, with 12 % believing the most serious disadvantage is suffered by people living with disabilities.

Approximately 10 % of those surveyed consider the most serious discrimination in the country to be based on sex. Not many people believe that discrimination on the basis of social origin or wealth is the most serious form of discrimination.

In comparison with previous surveys, the number of people who believe the most serious discrimination is based on age or disability has declined. The number who believe the most serious discrimination is based on nationality or race has risen.