Sexual Orientation, Political Persuasion, and Income: An Analysis Using the American National Election Studies Survey

• In Event: 380 - Section on Sociology of Sexualities Refereed Roundtable Session and Business Meeting
  In Refereed Roundtable 60min: Table 04. Movement and Politics

Abstract

This research aims to explore, using the American National Election Study Survey (ANES), on the potential relationships between the intersection of identities (specifically sexual orientation but including race, household composition, gender etc.), political beliefs and labor market outcomes (namely income). While previous work identifies wage penalties and premiums for sexual monitories when controlling for variables such as race, gender and education, little is known about how other identities may impact the labor market and wage experiences of sexual minorities. While many identities have, or need to be, examined to fully understand the experiences of sexual minorities in the labor market, the addition of political persuasion offers a novel contribution to the literature. Specifically in contexts where political ideology drives the legal and social experiences of sexual minorities, understanding how this facet of identity differs from, or is similar to, their straight counterparts may help to shape future questions and research, specifically when region or location are considered key factors. In addition to supporting the conclusions of previous work (that sexual minorities experience wage penalties, these finding suggest political persuasion (namely voting habits and conservative ideologies) are significant predictors of income. Future research should examine the intersection of identities (e.g. sexual orientation and political orientation) and ask directed questions about political disclosure (e.g. are these privately held beliefs or made public, especially in the workplace).

Author

• Justine A. Bulgar-Medina, University of Massachusetts - Boston