The Essential Report Archive Read the latest report

Forms of intolerance

11 Jun 2013

Q. For each of the following forms of intolerance, please indicate to what extent you think it is a problem in Australia.

 

Sept 12

Total large/ moderate

 

Total large/ moderate

A large problem

Moderate problem

Small

problem

Not a problem at all

Don’t know

Racism

71%

69%

29%

40%

24%

5%

2%

Religious intolerance

65%

54%

22%

32%

32%

10%

4%

Sexism

45%

52%

18%

34%

35%

11%

3%

Homophobia

50%

51%

18%

33%

33%

10%

5%

Ageism

44%

46%

16%

30%

34%

11%

9%

69% think that racism is a major/moderate problem in Australia – a similar result to when this question was previously asked in September last year. Just over half believe that religious intolerance, sexism and homophobia are major/moderate problems. The percentage thinking religious intolerance is a major/moderate problem has dropped 11 points while those thinking sexism is a major/moderate problem has increased 7 points since September.

Those most likely to think racism a major/moderate problem were women (76%), Greens voters (87%) and Labor voters (75%).

Those most likely to think sexism a major/moderate problem were women (61%), Greens voters (76%) and Labor voters (69%).

Those most likely to think homophobia a major/moderate problem were women (61%), Greens voters (74%), Labor voters (61%) and aged 18-34 (57%).

55% of those aged 55+ think ageism is a major/moderate problem.

There were no substantial differences between groups on views about religious intolerance.

Error: