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. Natalist politics had relegated women to their only maternal function. It was not until feminists' militant action (in the 2000s) that legislation began to punish domestic violence and promote greater parity at work, particularly in the political sphere. Today, women hold 25% of the seats in Parliament, which places the Croatian state, with its President Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović, above the European average. Another fight for women is the right to abortion. Although voted during the Yugoslav era, it is regularly challenged by reluctant doctors, who are supported in their "cases of conscience" by very active anti-abortion activists, as in the United States.
Primary, secondary and higher education
Schooling in public primary and secondary schools is free of charge. Pupils enter first grade at the age of 7, where they begin to learn English - almost all Croatian youth are fluent in at least one foreign language. They alternate five days a week from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. So there is no canteen, but the children have more time for sports, music, dance or art classes. The summer holidays last from mid-June to the beginning of September, plus two weeks at Christmas and one at Easter.
Secondary schools are divided according to the curricula of general (gymnasiums), vocational (technical, industrial, crafts) or artistic (music, dance, plastic arts) lycées. At the end of four years, passing the final examination known as the maturité (baccalaureate level) is compulsory to enrol in university. Since 2009, universities have been applying the Bologna system; the diploma obtained in Croatia has its equivalences throughout the EU.
The system of state scholarships does not yet exist. All expenses of the student's daily life are paid by the families. Many young graduates go to study abroad and often stay there. Educational reform is needed to renew the curricula and to affirm the financial commitment of the state, which should promote access to higher education or continuing training in line with the demands of the labour market.The family, between traditionalism, mutual aid and solidarity
In a country with a neoliberal economy, where state financial aid is insignificant, family solidarity is not an empty word. In the countryside, when young people are old enough to take their own initiative, if they cannot afford to settle down, a floor is raised for them. We see three, even four generations sharing the same roof. In addition, it is common for young people working abroad to send money to their parents
The attachment of many Croatians to the defence of traditional Christian values has an impact on society. Thus, in 2013, a referendum called by Catholic associations focused on the constitutional definition of marriage as "the foundation of the family and society". He consecrated only one possible union, that of a man and a woman. Among voters, 65.76% said no to gay marriage. After a heated debate of ideas, the Church tipped the Constitutional Court, the teaching of sex education was also banned in schools. In July 2014, Parliament nevertheless adopted a law authorizing civil unions between persons of the same sex, granting them the same inheritance, social benefits and tax rights, but excluding the right to adoption. While homophobic behaviour is still a concern for LGBT rights activists, gay rights are more widely accepted. The small community benefits from better visibility thanks to new community centres and festive events, such as the Gay Pride.
Health, private sector
Forensic medicine, which is completely reliable, operates in a modern health system, which applies rigorous quality standards in its practices and even offers medical tourism (aesthetic and dental surgery). For Croatian users, the compulsory social security system includes health, maternity, old-age and death, unemployment insurance, but serves as a meagre family benefit. There is no specific insurance for accidents at work or occupational diseases. The care of the sick and destitute is covered by health insurance and private pension funds. For low-income households, high health costs often rely on grandmother's remedies.
A social cohesion that promotes the values of honesty
While corruption is still common, even in the administration, police, schools or 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 care of a patient, for example. Since joining the EU, this scourge has been declining. Elected officials, sports club directors or business leaders... have been convicted.
On the other hand, street crime is very low. However, it is still necessary to apply basic precautionary rules, especially in summer in pickpockets. In restaurants, it is better to look at your bill twice, but Croatia remains a safe country. The Global Peace Index, which ranks 163 countries in the world according to their degree 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 27th place in 2018, behind Slovenia 11th but well ahead of France (61st).
