Social Identity Theory, Gender Differences, and Gender Role Beliefs in Understanding Homophobia

• In Event: ICA Plenary Interactive Paper/Poster Session I
  In Interactive Paper Session: Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Studies Interactive Paper Session

Abstract

Abstract
Homophobia is found to cause anti-gay violence. Research has endeavored to examine correlates and causation of homophobia to better understand and to effectively intervene.
This study used online surveys to examine whether or not social identity theory (SIT) predicted male and - previously underexplored - female homophobia, whether or not there was a gender difference in homophobia and gender role beliefs, and whether or not homophobia and gender role beliefs were correlated. The results showed that social identity theory predicted only female homophobia (RQ1) but not male homophobia (H1), there was a gender difference in homophobic attitude (RQ2a) but not in gender role beliefs (RQ2b), and homophobia and gender role beliefs were positively and significantly correlated with homophobia in both males and females (RQ3).

Author

• JhuCin Rita Jhang, University of Texas