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Summary
Anti-homosexual responses are better understood as prejudice, not phobia. This study found males less tolerant than females, suggesting the term "homoprejudice" for these anti-gay attitudes.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Social Psychology
- Attitude Research
Background:
- Anti-homosexual responses are widespread but inconsistently defined.
- Previous research lacks consensus on whether these responses are phobic or prejudicial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the nature of anti-homosexual responses in male and female undergraduates.
- To differentiate between phobic and prejudicial components of these attitudes.
Main Methods:
- Undergraduates responded to questionnaires targeting gay and lesbian individuals.
- Responses were analyzed to determine if they reflected phobia or prejudice.
Main Results:
- Little evidence supports characterizing anti-homosexual responses as a phobia.
- Findings suggest these responses are primarily rooted in prejudice.
- Males exhibited less tolerance towards gays and lesbians than females.
- Gender differences were observed in responses to same-sex targets.
Conclusions:
- Anti-homosexual attitudes are best described as prejudice, potentially termed 'homoprejudice'.
- Results highlight gender disparities in tolerance towards homosexual individuals.
- Further research is needed to explore the nuances of homoprejudice and its implications.