Stereotypes in sport persist, both among Greek parents and among Greeks of the diaspora. Although the majority of respondents believe that there are no ‘male’ or ‘female’ sports, a large percentage of the sample maintains a neutral attitude as to whether they would encourage their son(s) or daughter(s) to participate in a sport that is traditionally considered ‘female’ (such as ballet) or ‘male’ (such as football). These are the main findings of an online survey conducted by the Marketing Laboratory (MARLAB) of the University of Macedonia during the first half of 2024.
The aim of the research was to examine how gender stereotypes affect children and adolescents’ participation in sports, comparing the views of Greek parents and Greek parents from the diaspora. The survey questionnaires were answered by 328 parents of children up to 18 years old (288 Greek parents and 40 Greek parents of the diaspora). The research was conducted under the scientific supervision of the director of MARLAB, Professor, Mrs. Rodoula Tsiotsou and was presented together with the doctoral candidate, Mrs. Smaragda Samara, at the conference “Inaugural Greek Global Women and Hellenism Conference” which took place 2-6 September in Ioannina.
The results of the survey showed that 72% of Greek parents and 74% of Greek diaspora parents participated in sports activities during their childhood and adolescence. Regarding their current frequency of participation in sports activities, 40.28% of Greek parents state that they never participate, while the corresponding percentage for Greek parents of the diaspora is significantly lower (25%) (Figure 1).
Figure 1
Both Greek parents (38.54%) and Greek parents of the diaspora (40%) disagree with the view that certain sports are exclusively “suitable” for men (Figure 2). However, regarding whether they would encourage their daughter(s) to participate in a “male” sport, such as football, 32.64% of Greek parents and 32.5% of diaspora parents maintain a neutral attitude, while Greek diaspora parents express higher levels of agreement (45%) compared to Greek parents (35.76%) (Figure 3).
Figure 2
Figure 3
The results are similar with regard to the sports considered “suitable” for women, with 37.5% of Greek parents and 40% of diaspora parents strongly disagreeing with this view (Figure 4). However, they remain skeptical about whether they would encourage their son(s) to participate in a traditionally ‘female’ sport such as ballet, with 31.36% of Greek parents and 27.5% of diaspora parents maintaining a neutral stance and only 27.2% of Greek parents and 35% of diaspora parents agreeing (Figure 5).
Figure 4.
Figure 5
Greek diaspora parents strongly disagree (42.5%) with the view that the media provide equal coverage of sporting achievements regardless of gender. In contrast, Greek parents’ views vary, with roughly equal percentages of disagreement (26.39%) and neutrality (25.69%). In addition, the majority of Greek parents disagree (30.21%) or strongly disagree (23.26%) with the view that both genders are equally represented in sport. A similar attitude is expressed by Greek diaspora parents, with 22.5% disagreeing and 30% strongly disagreeing (Figure 6).
Figure 6
But do all sports offer equal opportunities for advancement regardless of gender? The survey shows that the views of the two samples converge. In particular, 29% of Greek parents disagree with this view and 33% strongly disagree. The perceptions of Greek parents from the diaspora are similar, with 28% disagreeing and 35% strongly disagreeing. Furthermore, both samples strongly disagree with the view that female professional athletes receive equal rewards, such as salary and recognition, compared to male athletes. Greek diaspora parents express this disagreement more strongly, with 50% strongly disagreeing, compared to 34.38% of Greek parents (Figure 7).
Figure 7
Finally, the survey measured the level of homophobia among parents, with 84% of Greek parents and 90% of Greek diaspora parents showing relatively high levels of homophobia on a scale of 0-100, where 0 represents the minimum and 100 the maximum homophobic attitude (FIGURE 8). Indicatively, 22 per cent of respondents agreed with the statement ‘Gay people make me nervous’, while 52 per cent strongly agreed (74 per cent overall). Similar percentages were recorded among Greek diaspora parents, with 23% agreeing and 58% strongly agreeing (81% in total). Similarly, 73% of Greek parents and 70% of Greek diaspora parents strongly agreed with the statement ‘Homosexuals deserve the negative treatment they receive’.
Profile of the sample
A total of 328 parents took part in the survey, of whom 288 were Greek parents and 40 Greek diaspora parents.
The profile of Greek parents: 85% were female and 15% male. In terms of age, 1.4% of the participants were 18-29 years old, 31.6% were 30-39 years old, 52.4% were 40-49 years old and 14.2% were 50-59 years old. Regarding income, 11% reported an annual income of less than €9,999, 64% had an income between €10,000 and €39,999, 9% between €40,000 and €69,999, 2% over €70,000, while 14% preferred not to answer. In terms of educational level, the majority of participants had a Master’s degree or higher (46.18%). In terms of marital status, 91% were married and 60% were in full-time employment. The sample was nationwide and came from 13 regions of the country, mainly from Attica (45.49%).
Profile of Greek Diaspora parents: 62% were women and 38% men. In terms of age, 2% of the participants were 18-29 years old, 20% were 30-39 years old, 45% were 40-49 years old, 22% were 50-59 years old, 8% were 60-69 years old and 3% were over 70 years old. In terms of income, 12% reported an annual income of less than €9,999, 22% had an income of between €10,000 and €39,999, 23% had an income of between €40,000 and €59,999, 23% had an income of between €50,000 and €60,000, and 3% had an income of between €30,000 and €40,000.
