DOI
10.1016/j.ssresearch.2016.05.002
Abstract
Researchers have extensively documented sociodemographic predictors of race and gender attitudes, and the mechanisms through which such attitudes are formed and change. Despite its growing recognition as an important status characteristic, sexual orientation has received little attention as a predictor of Americans’ race and gender attitudes. Using nationally representative data from the American National Election Survey 2012 Time Series Study, I compare heterosexuals’ and lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) people’s attitudes about sexuality, race, and gender. For most attitudes, LGB people hold significantly more liberal attitudes about sexuality, race, and gender than do heterosexuals, even upon controlling for other powerful sociodemographic predictors of social attitudes. However, a substantial proportion of these sexual orientation gaps in attitudes – especially about race and gender – are explained by LGB people’s relatively liberal political ideology. The findings provide evidence for the necessity of incorporating sexual orientation in future assessments of Americans’ social and political attitudes.
Document Type
Post-print Article
Publication Date
2017
Publisher Statement
Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc.
DOI: 10.1016/j.ssresearch.2016.05.002
The definitive version is available at: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0049089X15300144?via%3Dihub
Full Citation:
Grollman, Eric Anthony. "Sexual Orientation Differences in Attitudes about Sexuality, Race, and Gender." Social Science Research 61 (2017): 126-141. doi:10.1016/j.ssresearch.2016.05.002.
Recommended Citation
Grollman, Eric Anthony, "Sexual Orientation Differences in Attitudes about Sexuality, Race, and Gender" (2017). Sociology and Anthropology Faculty Publications. 62.
https://scholarship.richmond.edu/socanth-faculty-publications/62