Understanding the Dual Impact of Religious Beliefs and Policy on Attitudes Towards LGBTQ Individuals

• In Event: 1480 - Section on Sociology of Sexualities Roundtable Session
  In Refereed Roundtable 60min: Table 06. Sexual Knowledge

Abstract

Over the past decade, we have seen an increase in support for anti-discrimination measures and pro-rights legislation in the U.S. We have also witnessed a decline in religious identification and church attendance. Yet tensions remain high as witnessed by the shooting at Club Pulse in Florida and the anti-trans bathroom legislation passed in North Carolina. What is the role of religious beliefs in shaping attitudes towards LGBTQ individuals? Additionally, what effect might policies have in mitigating or enhancing that effect? Using Attribution Theory and the Contact Hypothesis, we expand the theoretical understanding of attitude formation suggesting that what you believe and who you know have equally important effects on those attitudes by integrating both existing theoretical models. Additionally, we fill a qualitative gap in the literature as we conducted in-depth interviews between July and August of 2016 as such data is ideal for identifying the mechanisms of attitude formation. Findings suggest that religion and policy, as distinct yet interrelated social institutions, act as mechanisms for what people believe and who people know which in turn have a dual effect on attitude formation towards LGBTQ individuals.

Author

• Elizabeth Kiester, Albright College