Austrians divided on length of summer holidays: Survey shows broad dissatisfaction with nine weeks

Among those who are not satisfied with the current duration, there is no clear preference. The largest group among the dissatisfied – 32 percent – would like six weeks of summer holidays. They are followed by 19 percent who advocate a duration of one to four weeks, as well as 17 percent who prefer seven weeks. Twelve percent are in favor of five weeks, six percent for eight weeks. The rest prefer "more than eight weeks."

What holiday length the dissatisfied would prefer

In addition to the length of the holidays, Austrians are particularly concerned with the question of childcare during the summer weeks. According to the survey, 84 percent of the population find the long summer holidays to be an organizational burden for many families. Nine out of ten respondents are of the view that this time is difficult to organize for working parents.

Reconciling work and childcare is seen as the biggest challenge of the long summer holidays by 60 percent. For 55 percent, this issue is simultaneously the biggest blind spot in the public debate. 72 percent of parents with children in kindergarten, elementary or middle school also report an additional financial burden due to the summer holidays and holiday childcare.

Childcare as an organizational and financial burden

Those who pay for organized summer childcare spend an average of 454 euros per child. 46 percent of parents use these paid services. At the same time, 42 percent of parents rely on grandparents or relatives as a safety net to cover childcare during the holidays.

The question of responsibility is also a focus of the survey. 46 percent of Austrians believe that mothers in particular bear the main burden of organization and childcare during the summer holidays. 33 percent see both parents equally responsible.

Another aspect concerns the social dimension. 59 percent of the population see the risk that the long summer holidays reinforce social differences between families. A clear majority thus associate the length of the holidays with questions of equal opportunity.

Social differences and distribution of the burden

Overall, the survey shows that the nine-week summer holidays in Austria are polarizing. While part of the population advocates a significant reduction, a narrow majority considers the length appropriate. However, both camps share the concern that childcare during this time poses considerable practical and financial challenges for families.

The survey was conducted by the market and opinion research institute Marketagent, which regularly publishes online studies on the realities of life of the population in Austria. A total of 1,000 people between the ages of 14 and 75 were surveyed.