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AIDS, homosexuality, public opinion, and changing correlates over time
1Department of Political Science, Howard University, Washington, DC 20059.
Journal of Homosexuality
|January 1, 1993
Summary
Public attitudes toward AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) showed less irrationality by 1987 compared to 1985. However, conservative individuals showed increased support for repression and decreased personal concern regarding AIDS.
Area of Science:
- Public health
- Sociology
- Psychology
Background:
- The early years of the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) crisis saw significant public fear and misunderstanding.
- Examining shifts in public opinion is crucial for understanding societal responses to health crises.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze changes in public attitudes toward AIDS between 1985 and 1987.
- To identify key predictors of public opinion on AIDS and how they evolved.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from national Los Angeles Times surveys conducted in 1985 and 1987.
- Compared public opinion trends and demographic predictors across the two survey periods.
Main Results:
- Core predictors of public opinion regarding AIDS remained consistent from 1985 to 1987.
- A general decrease in irrational attitudes toward AIDS was observed across most population segments by 1987.
- A concerning trend emerged among conservatives regarding homosexuality: decreased personal concern for AIDS coupled with increased support for repressive measures.
Conclusions:
- Public understanding and attitudes toward AIDS demonstrated some improvement by 1987.
- Specific subgroups, notably conservatives on homosexuality, exhibited a divergence in concern and support for punitive actions.
- Findings highlight the need for targeted public health messaging to address persistent biases and promote informed concern.