Regional Public Opinions on LGBTI People Equal Opportunities in Employment: Evidence from the Eurobarometer Programme using Small Area Estimation

Abstract

In recent years, the attention to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) people’ rights from institutions, society and scientific bodies has clearly progressed. Although equal opportunities in employment are promoted within European countries and by the EU legislation, there are still evident discriminations in Europe. Many LGBTI people still face bullying and anti-LGBTI discrimination in the workplace and job market. Considerably more progress must be made before every LGBTI person feels accepted and comfortable for who they are in the workplace. Importantly, views on equal opportunities in employment are characterised by spatial heterogeneity at a sub-national level. Therefore, it is necessary to disaggregate estimates of relevant indicators, at least, at a regional level. This is crucial to identify the regions requiring more attention by policy makers. However, large-scale sample surveys are not designed to produce precise and accurate sub-national estimates. Small area estimation methods offer powerful tools in this context. Here, we produce regional estimates of three indicators measuring views of discrimination in employment of people from LGBTI communities in Europe. The analyses are based on the Eurobarometer 91.4 2019. Our empirical evidence shows that the estimates produced by small area estimation are reliable, giving important information to policy makers.