The message that the fight against historical gender inequality and policies for equality leads to discrimination against men has taken root in society, especially in men. Although a good number of men acknowledge that there are inequalities, 44.1% “very much or fairly agree” that “it has come so far in the promotion of women’s equality that it is now discriminating against men”, which is also shared by a third (32.5%) of women.
This is as indicated by the first survey in relation to perceptions of equality between men and women and gender stereotypes, prepared by the Center for Sociological Research (CIS). It also delves into the division of housework, care for dependents or the behavior of both sexes.
Regarding the situation of women in Spain and the inequalities between men and women, 67.2% of them believe that they are “very old or quite old”, compared to 48.2% of men. When comparing the current situation with that of a decade ago, 70.7% of Spaniards say that inequalities are now smaller, a majority opinion for both men and women (67%). Not surprisingly, the legislative and awareness work in favor of putting an end to this gender gap has had an effect, as revealed by the numerous studies on the matter.
But, despite the fact that 44.1% of men consider that the fight against inequality is being translated into discrimination against men, it is still striking that the same men are clear that women have worse pay than them (53%), more difficulties to get promoted (48.8%) and to access positions of responsibility (50%) and worse opportunities to find a job (37%).
When it comes to reconciling work and family life, 72.5% of women say that they have it worse, and 58.5% of men admit that they are the ones who suffer when it comes to combining the two activities .
78.1% of women agree with the statement “women have to work harder than men to show that they can do the same job”; this percentage drops by 26 points when men are asked, 51.8% agree and 46.3% deny that this is the case.
Regarding discrimination based on sex at work, 9.7% of women say they have witnessed it and 5.4% of men also say so.
The perception of gender inequality in the workplace seems clear, but even more so in the domestic sphere. On a weekday, women spend more time on housework (cleaning, cooking, shopping…) than men: they spend an average of 172 minutes (almost 3 hours) a day, and they, 126, 76 minutes (2 hours). But when asked how much time they spend caring for their children on a weekday, the gap between the two sexes widens: while women spend 412.25 minutes (6.7 hours) on their children, men spend around 228.88 minutes (3.7 hours) of your time.
More private matters. Regarding the statement “a woman with an active sexual life is criticized more than a man”, 87.2% of women agree, and 76.2% of men, too. When flowers are mentioned in the survey, 49.5% of men think that “it’s always nice to receive one”, and the figure is 35.7% when it comes to women . In fact, 60.5% of them are against this statement.
In the last twelve months, 49.2% of men have heard sexist comments from friends or family, and the figure is similar among women (45.6%). 13.8% of women say they have witnessed a man sexually harassing a woman, and 8.1% of men, too.
In terms of stereotypes, the CIS survey makes it clear that, although most citizens have no objection to calling a man or woman to fix a boiler, or a computer, to attend to a dependent or ‘time to take a taxi, there is a group that oscillates between 30% of them and those who would only call men to fix things and when it comes to care, women.
Regarding pornography, 66.5% of Spaniards believe that watching porn is more appropriate for men than for women, as well as paying to have sex: 84.9% of respondents say that it is more appropriate of the male sex.
