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Chapter 19 - Cross-Cultural Attitudes toward Sexual Minorities

from Social Psychology

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  30 March 2018

By
Mary E. Kite ,
LaCount J. Togans  and
Kim A. Case
Edited by
Kenneth D. Keith
Kenneth D. Keith
Affiliation:
University of San Diego
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Summary

We examine psychological factors that influence cross-cultural attitudes toward homosexual behavior and toward lesbian women and gay men. Most of the available research primarily addresses attitudes toward the target group “homosexuals” to the exclusion of bisexual and transgender people. When possible, we include a discussion of the factors influencing the experiences of these individuals. We begin by explaining the advantages that accrue due to heterosexual privilege and how this links to prejudice against sexual minorities. Next, we discuss how cross-cultural attitudes toward homosexuality have been assessed in the literature and describe the results of international surveys assessing correlates of these views. Finally, we present three hands-on activities designed to provide students with a cross-cultural perspective on sexual prejudice.
Type
Chapter
Information
Culture across the Curriculum
A Psychology Teacher's Handbook
 , pp. 407 - 426
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2018

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