A new study titled “Citizens’ Attitudes and Experiences Regarding Discrimination and Stereotypes” reveals that stereotypes and discriminatory attitudes remain deeply ingrained in Greek society. According to the findings, 9 in 10 individuals think that stereotypes influence everyday behaviours, while 83% have personally experienced discrimination.
The research was carried out under the European project ECOSYSTEM – Strengthening Public Authorities’ Capacity to Respond to Intersectional Discrimination through Multi-Agency Coalitions, implemented by the Greek Ministry of Social Cohesion and Family, the National Commission for Human Rights, and KMOP – Social Action and Innovation Centre. The project is funded by the European Union’s “Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values” (CERV) programme.
The ECOSYSTEM project aims to contribute to the development of the 2nd National Action Plan against Racism and Intolerance, and to strengthen the capacity of national authorities in Greece to combat hate, racism, and multiple layered discrimination.
Through a participatory, multidisciplinary, and inter-agency approach, the project seeks to enhance cooperation between public authorities and civil society across three interconnected pillars:
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Improving victim access to information and support services via a dedicated online platform.
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Enhancing skills of public servants and frontline professionals in recognising and supporting victims of hate crimes.
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Raising public awareness through a National Awareness Campaign focused on the project’s key themes.
The research was conducted between January and May 2025, with 1,928 participants from across Greece. KMOP – Centre for Social Action and Innovation held scientific oversight and coordination. Using an anonymous questionnaire, it examined citizens’ attitudes, experiences, and perceptions regarding stereotypes, discrimination, and the effectiveness of institutional interventions.
Key Findings
Beliefs about stereotypes
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9 in 10 individuals believe that stereotypes are very or extremely widespread.
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9 in 10 individuals believe that stereotypes significantly affect behaviour towards specific social groups.
Beliefs about discrimination by characteristic and setting
Respondents reported that the most frequent forms of discrimination were based on:
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Sexual orientation
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Gender expression
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Socio‑economic status
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Gender
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Gender identity
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Race and national or ethnic origin
Discrimination was most commonly reported in:
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Job seeking and workplaces
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Online environments
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Housing searches
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Police stations
Conscious and unconscious discrimination
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48% admitted to having acted in a discriminatory way unconsciously.
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8% admitted to having done so intentionally.
Personal experiences of discrimination
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Only 15% reported never experiencing discrimination.
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The top three personal experiences were:
• Gender-based discrimination: 33%
• Age-based discrimination: 25%
• Family or social‑status discrimination: 20% -
The most frequent settings were the workplace (34%) and public spaces (24%).
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Women reported higher rates of discrimination than men.
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Residents of large cities reported higher rates than those in small towns.
Read the full research report here.
For project details, visit: www.ecosystem-project.eu
For further information: [email protected] | +30 210 3637547