Sex differences in sexual prejudice. Contact as mediator variable

Abstract

The present article analyzes the relationship between sex and nationality and prejudice toward gay men and lesbians and the rejection of same-sex parents in Spain and Chile. Participants were university students (N=491). Results indicate that men are more prejudiced than women, and the Chilean participants report more prejudice than the Spanish participants. In addition, sex differences in attitudes toward lesbians and gay men and differences by nationality are mediated by the contact variable. Nationality differences in attitudes same-sex parents (normative opposition scale) were fully mediated. Findings from this study suggest that contact may explain the link between sex differences and sexual prejudice. This subscale operationalizes the construct of heterosexism towards families with same-sex parents, and it is quite difficult to intervene in this social construct to reduce the prejudice. Findings of this study may have important implications for reducing sexual prejudice. Knowing, interacting and fostering relationships between the members of the outgroup and the ingroup can reduce differences due to sex and nationality.