A recent survey in Sweden reveals a concerning trend among young people, showing a decline in positive attitudes towards LGBTQ+ individuals compared to past years.
A survey conducted by Sweden's Statistics Authority involved responses from over 8,000 students in ninth grade and the first and third years of upper secondary school. While 72% of students expressed respect for others' beliefs, opinions, and rights to live as they choose, there has been a marked shift regarding attitudes towards homosexuals, bisexuals, and transgender individuals. In the previous survey from 2013, LGBTQ+ people were the minority group most students viewed positively, but the latest findings indicate a reversal of this trend.
The new measurement highlights that LGBTQ+ individuals are now the demographic group that students demonstrate the most negativity towards. Researchers note that the survey does not explain the reasons behind this shift, but evidence from existing research suggests that external factors, including the general political climate and exposure to different cultures, can significantly influence attitudes. Petra MÃ¥rselius, a researcher involved with the study, emphasized that the changing environment plays a crucial role.
Additionally, the survey indicates a notable difference in attitudes among students with foreign backgrounds. Those students display a higher propensity towards negative attitudes against sexual minorities compared to their peers of Swedish descent. This information raises important questions about the integration of different cultural perspectives within Swedish society and underscores the need for further investigation into how global and local dynamics are shaping the views of young people in Sweden towards the LGBTQ+ community.
