Are attitudes to same-sex marriage predicted by ethnicity, religious beliefs, and
traditional gender roles
Zehra saglam
Department of Social Science, University of Westminster
Understanding psychological Diversity
April 13, 2023
Word count: 1999
, Abstract
This article provides a study of three predictor variables—ethnicity, conventional gender
norms, and religion—that affect same-sex marriage attitudes using the Westminster Diversity
survey which participants (N = 681) from age 18 to 82 (UK residents) completed online, with
ML regressions analysis to test the hypothesis. This thesis suggests that religion influences
sentiments regarding same-sex marriage, especially when it conflicts with homosexuality.
Conventional gender-role views and schemas promoted that homosexuality and same-sex
marriage violated their values. White cultures have a higher rate of acceptance than
black/Asian cultures. The findings implied existing beliefs and traditions affect people’s
perspective towards same-sex marriage.
Introduction
Gender equality and sexual orientation diversity have been increasingly important in recent
years. Many societies discuss same-sex marriage. While more nations are legalizing same-sex
marriage, many groups still oppose it.
Many studies focus on religious beliefs. Religious beliefs, especially biblical ones, are the
strongest predictor of whether someone supports same-sex marriage (Kettell, 2013). Herek
(1987) found that religious people were generally more negative towards gays and lesbians.
Religion may also influence same-sex marriage attitudes. Since they don't condemn
homosexuality, Judaism and liberal Protestantism are less opposed to same-sex marriage
(Olson, Cadge, & Harrison, 2006). Non-religious people are less likely to oppose same-sex
marriage as opposed to regular churchgoers who are more likely to dislike same-sex marriage
(Olson et al., 2006).
, Social norms suggest men and women should act in ways consistent with traditional gender
roles (Klement & Sagarin, 2017). Among these principles is the idea that men should act
manly, and women should behave femininely (Ickes, 1993). People who believe in rigid
gender norms are more likely to be against homosexuality (Adamczyk & Cheng, 2015).
According to the standard gender role model, heterosexual couples are the norm (Swank &
Raiz, 2010). Marriage between people of the same sex is also seen as a breach of traditional
gender norms because of this (Adamczyk & Cheng, 2015; Doyle & Rees, 2015). People who
had non-traditional views of gender roles were less likely to reject homosexuals and gays, as
shown in previous research (Reyes et al., 2019) than those who held traditional views
(Adamczyk & Cheng, 2015).
Attitudes on same-sex marriage vary widely depending on a person's ethnic background.
Culture and religion may shape the perspectives of people of different ethnicities. Also,
prejudice and marginalization may influence the way members of ethnic minorities think
about and talk about sexual orientation and gender identity. According to studies, people of
different cultures have different views on same-sex marriage. Loftus (2001) and lewis (2003)
showed that, consistent with their conservative Protestant roots and high rates of religious
activity, African Americans are much more likely to see homosexuality as wrong. People
from ethnic minority groups are more prone to be pessimistic (Baumeister, 2002).
Countries in the West that have legalized same-sex marriage include the United States,
Canada, and much of Europe. Many individuals in these nations have come to perceive same-
sex marriage as a matter of equality and a fundamental human right in recent decades (Ramos
& Kelly, 2015). However, many eastern cultures, especially those with more rigid traditional
beliefs, see same-sex marriage as unnatural and immoral. Many countries in Asia still have
