Perception of Discrimination and Attitudes Towards the Implementation of the Principle of Equal Opportunities in Lithuania

Abstract

This article presents the findings of the research project ‘Quality of Democracy and Equal Opportunities: Attitudes and Social Practice in Lithuania’ funded by the Research Council of Lithuania. Based on the data of a representative survey, the article analyses the perception of discrimination and attitudes towards the implementation of the principle of equal opportunities in Lithuania. The article claims that the majority of the population do not possess a clear understanding of discrimination since the term ‘discrimination’ in everyday language is used very broadly. Seeking help after experiencing discrimination is not widespread since many people do not know where and how to complain, they do not trust responsible institutions or tend to remain silent and do not want to get into more trouble.