Attitudes Toward Homosexuality in Adolescence: An Italian Study |
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Authors: | Alessandra Santona |
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Institution: | Department of Psychology, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy |
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Abstract: | This study investigates Italian adolescents’ attitudes toward gay men and lesbians and same-sex marriage, and their beliefs about the origins of homosexuality. The sample consists of 449 subjects (226 males), aged between 14 and 21 years. The principal instruments used are: the Attitudes Toward Lesbians and Gay men (ATLG), the Modern Homonegativity Scale (MHS), and the Attitudes Toward Same-Sex Marriage (ATSM). Results suggest that males show a more negative attitude than females toward homosexuals. Furthermore data reveal that respondents with a lack of personal direct contact with gay people have less positive attitudes toward homosexual people and same-sex marriage. The data in this study suggest that homophobia could be deeply rooted in a traditional value system that refutes gender equality. |
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Keywords: | Adolescence attitudes gender equality heterosexism homophobia homosexuality same-sex marriage |
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