Some Characteristics of Those Who Hold Positive and Negative Attitudes Toward Homosexuals

Abstract

This study (presented as a paradigm in the area of majority-minority relations) replicates previous findings that negative attitudes toward homosexuals are associated with lack of support for equality between the sexes. It includes a multidimensional measure of support for equality between the sexes; Semantic Differentials for Man, Woman, Male Homosexual, and Lesbian; four value factors derived from Rokeach's 36 Instrumental and Terminal Values; measures of authoritarianism, cognitive rigidity, and ambiguity tolerance; a premarital sexual permissiveness scale; and attitudes toward male and female homosexuality scales. Most interesting among the findings are the correlations to the Potency dimension of the Semantic Differential. Implications for the gay and feminist movements are briefly discussed.