Citizenship I, Lithuania, May - July 2024

Further, the survey investigated perceptions of Lithuanian identity acquisition - specifically, whether one can become a true Lithuanian through personal effort or whether it is necessary to be born Lithuanian. Another question block assessed the extent to which Lithuanian residents feel pride in their country based on various factors (… the way democracy works; … its political influence in the world; 6 items in total).

The survey then focused on respondents’ views regarding the protection of national interests and international cooperation in economic, cultural, and political domains (Lithuania should limit the import of foreign products in order to protect its national economy; For certain problems, like environment pollution, international bodies should have the right to enforce solutions; 6 items in total). Attitudes toward immigrants residing in Lithuania were also evaluated (Immigrants increase crime rates; Immigrants are generally good for Lithuania’s economy; 5 items in total).

Respondents were asked whether, in their opinion, the number of immigrants to Lithuania should significantly increase in the near future. The study examined attitudes toward the cultural integration of immigrants - whether they should preserve their native culture, combine it with Lithuanian culture, or fully adopt Lithuanian cultural norms. A separate question block allowed respondents to indicate what they believe constitutes being a good citizen (Never to try to evade taxes; Always to obey laws and regulations; 5 items in total).

In assessing the state of democracy, respondents evaluated how well democracy functions in Lithuania today, how it functioned 10 years ago, and how they expect it to function 10 years from now. Another set of questions explored views on human rights within a democratic system (That all citizens have an adequate standard of living; That government authorities respect and protect the rights of minorities; 4 items in total).

The survey also addressed whether the government should be responsible for reducing income inequality between the rich and the poor. Respondents were asked to position themselves on a left–right political spectrum. Political efficacy was assessed through questions measuring the extent to which respondents feel their opinions are considered by the government (People like me don’t have any say about what the government does; I don’t think the government cares much what people like me think).

Respondents also evaluated the extent to which the civil service serves the public and the perceived prevalence of corruption within it. The final set of statements focused on perceptions of political authority, its relationship with society, and trust in decision-making by experts versus citizens (The people, and not politicians, should make our most important policy decisions; Politicians talk too much and take too little action; 6 items in total).

Additionally, the survey explored respondents’ media consumption habits - including television, press, radio, and internet use - for political news and information, as well as perceptions of bias in political reporting. Finally, the survey assessed interpersonal trust by asking whether respondents believe most people would take advantage of them if given the opportunity or act honestly, and whether people in general can be trusted or should be approached with caution.

At the end of the survey, respondents were asked whether they are citizens of Lithuania. Socio-demographic characteristics: gender, age, level of education, membership in organizations, religion, marital status, nationality, political views, political participation, size of household, respondent's average personal income, place of residence, working situation of the respondent and of his/her spouse or partner.