engleski

STIGMATIZING LG RELATIONSHIPS – WHAT DETERMINES ATTITUDES TOWARD SAME-SEX PARENTING

Gay man and lesbian women (LGs) are often stigmatized and discriminated against, which has been tied to negative mental health outcomes for this population. Recently, studies started investigating the stigma surrounding LGs close relationships, given specific challenges their relationships face. Attitudes toward their parental rights is one manifestation of that stigma. In this study we explore different determinants of attitudes toward same-sex parenting, in the context of a country with generally unfavorable attitudes towards LGs, and in which legislation does not recognize adoption by same-sex partners. We were interested in whether gender, age, education, religiosity and political preferences – which proved to be relevant in predicting homonegativity in general – also predict attitudes towards same-sex parenting. We also explored the role of gender identity and attitudes toward gender roles as potential mechanisms behind these attitudes. A total of 992 heterosexual participants of both genders (70% women) aged 18 to 79 years from Croatia participated in an on-line study. Participants expressed less support for gay than for lesbian parenting, with women expressing more positive attitudes towards both gay and lesbian parenting than men. Expectedly, same-sex parenting was more supported by less religious and politically more left-oriented participants, as well as those who cohabitate compared to married participants. Age and education, but also gender identity, did not prove to be predictive. However, participants with more traditional gender-role attitudes, as well as those who are parents themselves, expressed more negative attitudes towards same-sex parenting. It seems that same-sex relationships question the binary and hierarchically organized image of men–women relations. Policy and opinion makers should put more effort in creating a society with equal rights for all its members.

Stigmatization, Same-sex parenting, Attitudes

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