Studies about the contact hypothesis (Allport, 1954; Pettigrew, 1998) showed its efficacy in reducing intergroup conflict (Vonofakou, Hewstone, & Voci, 2007). Particularly, were found positive correlation between intergroup contact and the representation of homosexuality (Herek, & Capitanio, 1996; Smith, Axelton, & Saucier, 2009). Readiness to contact with outgroup members’ would seem, also, in relationship to the value orientations of the individual belonging to ingroup (Sagiv, & Schwartz, 1995). This study has explored intergroup contact in relation to levels of prejudice against homosexuals and the value system of the subjects. The sample (n=100) is composed exclusively of university students, all subjects are female gender. This paper reports only data of two subgroups which have been formed according to the degree of contact with gay people. The first subgroup (n=25) is composed of students who do not know any gay person, the second (n=24) is composed of students who know more than 10 homosexuals. Questionnaires used were: Components of Attitudes Toward Homosexuality of LaMar, & Kite, (1998); Portrait Values Questionnaire (PVQ) of Schwartz et alii (2001), the Italian version (Capanna, et alii, 2005). Significant differences are found between the two subgroups with regard to both the levels of prejudice toward homosexuals and the value system. The group affirming to know more than 10 homosexuals, in fact, has shown a value orientation characterized by more openness to change, self-transcendence and progressive. Also it has shown more positive attitudes toward gay people, along all the four dimensions considered (condemnation/tolerance, morality, contact, stereotypes). These data seem to confirm what has already been found in other studies on the relationships between contact, intergroup relations and value system.

Intergroup contact, value system and the representation of homosexuality

LICCIARDELLO, Orazio;
2011-01-01

Abstract

Studies about the contact hypothesis (Allport, 1954; Pettigrew, 1998) showed its efficacy in reducing intergroup conflict (Vonofakou, Hewstone, & Voci, 2007). Particularly, were found positive correlation between intergroup contact and the representation of homosexuality (Herek, & Capitanio, 1996; Smith, Axelton, & Saucier, 2009). Readiness to contact with outgroup members’ would seem, also, in relationship to the value orientations of the individual belonging to ingroup (Sagiv, & Schwartz, 1995). This study has explored intergroup contact in relation to levels of prejudice against homosexuals and the value system of the subjects. The sample (n=100) is composed exclusively of university students, all subjects are female gender. This paper reports only data of two subgroups which have been formed according to the degree of contact with gay people. The first subgroup (n=25) is composed of students who do not know any gay person, the second (n=24) is composed of students who know more than 10 homosexuals. Questionnaires used were: Components of Attitudes Toward Homosexuality of LaMar, & Kite, (1998); Portrait Values Questionnaire (PVQ) of Schwartz et alii (2001), the Italian version (Capanna, et alii, 2005). Significant differences are found between the two subgroups with regard to both the levels of prejudice toward homosexuals and the value system. The group affirming to know more than 10 homosexuals, in fact, has shown a value orientation characterized by more openness to change, self-transcendence and progressive. Also it has shown more positive attitudes toward gay people, along all the four dimensions considered (condemnation/tolerance, morality, contact, stereotypes). These data seem to confirm what has already been found in other studies on the relationships between contact, intergroup relations and value system.
2011
contact; value ; homosexuality ; university students
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11769/8478
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