How Religiosity Shapes Rejection of Homosexuality Across the Globe

Area of Science:

• Social Sciences
• Sociology
• Psychology

Background:

• Understanding the global relationship between religiosity and attitudes towards homosexuality is crucial.
• Previous research suggests a link, but the specific dimensions of religiosity and mediating factors require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine how different dimensions of religiosity relate to the rejection of homosexuality across countries.
• To determine if authoritarianism and traditional gender beliefs mediate these relationships.

Main Methods:

• Multilevel statistical models were employed.
• Data from the World Values Survey (2010-2014) for 55 countries were analyzed.
• Sobel tests and bootstrapping were used to assess mediation.

Main Results:

• All dimensions of religiosity showed a positive association with rejecting homosexuality.
• Higher religious salience, service attendance, and particularistic beliefs correlated with stronger rejection.
• Authoritarianism and traditional gender beliefs partially mediated the religiosity-rejection link.

Conclusions:

• Religiosity, across its various dimensions, is consistently linked to greater rejection of homosexuality globally.
• Socialization and integration theories provide a framework for understanding these associations.
• Authoritarianism and traditional gender beliefs play a significant role in explaining why religiosity is associated with negative attitudes toward homosexuality.