Europeans on Race... and the Rat-Race

Half the adults in Britain, France and Germany feel that racial prejudice is increasing in their country according to the findings of a new CNN/TIME poll conducted by TNS. The poll also asked about work-life balance and smoking bans.

The poll asked 'Do you feel racial prejudice is increasing, decreasing or staying the same level in your own country?' The French are more likely to think racism is on the rise (54%) than those in Britain and Germany (each 49%). More Britons feel that racial prejudice is declining (15% compared with 6% in France and Germany). Overall, 38% feel levels of racism are staying the same and only 8% that they are decreasing.

Marita Caballo, Global Head of TNS Polling & Social says it is apparent that people in the three countries still feel there is a very long way to go to combat the problem of racism. 'Despite new legislation and high level media campaigns exposing institutional racism in society, it appears that racial prejudice remains a major issue which many adults feel is only going to get worse'.

The survey also asked about 'work-life balance' and found that just over half (52%) of all adults feel the balance is weighted more towards work in their country. 29% feel that the balance is equal, and only 16% that the balance is 'weighted more towards other aspects of life than work'.

Caballo says the high proportion in Britain feeling they have a good work-life balance is surprising, given the 'commonly held perception among people in Britain of a balance which is all work and no play... Either initiatives like National Work-Life Balance week are having a positive impact on improving the flexibility of work culture in the UK, or the problem is not as bad as some observers have suggested'.

Seven out of ten adults in Britain, France and Germany are in favour of a ban being introduced to prevent smoking in public places. Support was highest in France (79% of people in favour) and lowest in Germany (65%).

TNS surveyed approximately 1,000 adults in each of France, Germany and Great Britain between 23rd and 28th July 2004. Its web site is at www.tns-global.com

All articles 2006-23 written and edited by Mel Crowther and/or Nick Thomas, 2024- by Nick Thomas, unless otherwise stated.

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