1st Edition

The Construction of Attitudes Toward Lesbians and Gay Men

By Tracy Luchetta, Patricia L Pardie Copyright 1999
    128 Pages
    by Routledge

    128 Pages
    by Routledge

    Discover new information and perspectives on why today’s culture holds prejudice toward gay men and lesbians!

    The Construction of Attitudes Toward Lesbians and Gay Men explores the pervasiveness and widespread social acceptance of heterosexism in the United States by analyzing existing social and political systems for their representative beliefs. As a scholar or student of psychology, sociology, women’s studies/gay & lesbian studies, or social work who is concerned with the need for positive change in attitudes toward same-sex relationships at cultural, this book is for you. You will learn more about current indicators of heterosexism and homonegativity at multiple levels of representation, and better understand the cultural obstacles and openings for attitudinal transformation.

    IIn The Construction of Attitudes Toward Lesbians and Gay Men, empirical research, critical social analysis, theoretical development, and case study applications are used to investigate negative attitudes toward homosexuals. Some of the individual, social, and cultural prejudices that you will examine include:

    • HIV/AIDS stigma and HIV/AIDS knowledge
    • negative legal imagery of homosexuals portrayed by courts, such as in the 1996 majority opinion in Romer v. Evans case
    • the lack of civil rights for homosexuals, including laws forbidding homosexual marriage
    • homophobia in academia based on institutional policies for spouse benefits
    • Judeo-Christian mythologies
    • stereotypical masculine and feminine images portrayed by the media
    • sociocultural and historical origins of sexism

      The Construction of Attitudes Toward Lesbians and Gay Men is a critical investigation of representations of homonegativism in American culture. You will gain a deeper understanding of individual identities and relational behaviors within today’s dominant culture through an analysis of collective ideologies, institutional policies, and more. The immense research and knowledge contained in this book provides you with a multifaceted view of current indicators of heterosexism and homonegativity and works to eliminate anti-gay/lesbian prejudice.

    Contents About the Editors
    • Contributors
    • Preface
    • Chapter 1. Relationships Between Homophobia, HIV/AIDS Stigma, and HIV/AIDS Knowledge
    • The Concept and Functions of Stigma
    • The Concept and Functions of Negative Attitudes Toward Lesbians and Gay Men
    • Previous Research Concerning Homophobia and HIV/AIDS-Related Attitudes
    • The Present Study
    • Chapter 2. Contested Identity: The Law’s Construction of Gay and Lesbian Subjects
    • An Analysis of Sexual Orientation Jurisprudence
    • Conclusions
    • Chapter 3. Homophobia in Academia: Examination and Critique
    • Partner Benefits in Academia
    • Attitudes Toward Lesbian and Gay Men
    • Critique
    • Chapter 4. Internalized Homophobia and Therapeutic Efficacy
    • Psychotherapy and Internalized Homophobia
    • A Model for Increased Therapeutic Efficacy
    • Case Studies
    • Conclusion
    • Chapter 5. Heterosexist Ideologies and Identity Development: A Transpersonal View
    • Transpersonal Psychology
    • Heterosexism: Reductionistic and Polarizing Identifications
    • The Uncertainty of Spiritual Development: Questions of Motivation and Ability
    • Index
    • Reference Notes Included

    Biography

    Tracy Luchetta, Patricia L Pardie