Equality between women and men
Gender equality, recently achieved, was one of the conditions for accession to the European Union. During the last war (1991-1995), women in Croatia suffered from the hardening of the paternalistic social structure, especially in rural areas. The pro-natalist policy had relegated women to the sole role of mothers. It wasn't until the militant action of feminists in the 2000s that legislation began to penalize domestic violence and promote greater parity in the workplace, particularly in the political sphere. Today, women hold 25% of the seats in Parliament, putting the Croatian state, with its former president Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović, above the European average. Another battle for women: the right to abortion. Well-voted during the Yugoslav era, it is regularly challenged by reluctant doctors, who are supported in their "case of conscience" by very active anti-abortion activists, as in the United States.
Primary, secondary and higher education
Tuition at public primary and secondary schools is free. Pupils enter first grade at the age of 7, where they begin to learn English - virtually all young Croatians are fluent in at least one foreign language. They alternate five days a week from 8am to 1pm and from 2pm to 7pm. There is no canteen, but the children have more time for sports, music, dance or art classes. Summer vacation lasts from mid-June to early September, plus two weeks at Christmas and a single week at Easter.
Secondary schools are divided into general (gymnasiums), vocational (technical, industrial, crafts) and artistic (music, dance, visual arts) programs. At the end of four years, students must pass the final "Maturité" exam (baccalaureate level) in order to enroll in university. Since 2009, universities have been applying the Bologna system, with diplomas obtained in Croatia having equivalence throughout the EU.
State scholarships are not yet available. Students' families are responsible for all day-to-day living expenses. Many young graduates study abroad and often stay on. A reform of the education system is needed to renew programs and affirm the State's financial commitment, which should promote access to higher education and continuing training in line with the demands of the job market.
The family, between traditionalism, mutual aid and solidarity
In a country with a neo-liberal economy, where financial aid from the State is insignificant, family solidarity is not an empty word. In the countryside, when young people are old enough to become independent, if they don't have the means to settle down, a floor is raised for them. Three or even four generations share the same roof. It is also common for young people working abroad to send money to their parents.
The attachment of many Croats to the defense of traditional Christian values has repercussions on society. In 2013, for example, a referendum called by Catholic associations focused on the constitutional definition of marriage as "the foundation of the family and society". It enshrined only one possible union, that of a man and a woman. Of those who voted, 65.76% said no to gay marriage. After a virulent debate of ideas, the Church swayed the Constitutional Court, and the teaching of sex education was also banned in schools. In 2014, Parliament nonetheless passed a law authorizing civil unions between people of the same sex, granting them the same rights in terms of inheritance, social benefits and taxation, but excluding the right to adoption. While homophobic behavior still worries LGBTQ+ rights activists, gay rights are more widely accepted. The small community is enjoying greater visibility thanks to new associative venues and festive events such as Gay Pride.
Health, private sector
Reliable forensic medicine operates within a modern healthcare system, which applies rigorous quality standards to its practices and offers medical tourism (cosmetic and dental surgery). For Croatian users, the compulsory social security system includes sickness-maternity, invalidity-old-age-death and unemployment insurance, but provides meagre family benefits. There is no specific insurance for work-related accidents or illnesses. Care for the sick and destitute is covered by private health insurance and pension funds. For low-income households, high health costs often mean that they have to rely on traditional remedies.
A social cohesion that promotes the values of honesty
While corruption is still rife, even in the administration, police, schools and hospitals, it leaves the population more or less apathetic. People deplore these practices, but live with them. Slipping a small envelope into the hands of government officials "can" make things better, speeding up the treatment of a patient, for example. Since joining the EU, this scourge has been receding. Elected representatives, sports club directors and company directors have been convicted.
Street crime, on the other hand, is very low. Nevertheless, it is advisable to apply basic rules of caution, particularly in summer in seaside resorts (pickpockets). In restaurants, it's best to double-check your bill, but Croatia remains a safe country. The Global Peace Index, which ranks countries around the world according to the criterion of pacifism, taking into account the extent of their involvement in local and international conflicts and the degree of harmony or discord within the country, placed Croatia in 16th position in 2023, behind Slovenia in 8th place, but well ahead of Italy (34th) and France (67th).
