Human values, conservatism and stereotypes of homosexuals

We examined the extent to which negative stereotypes of gays and lesbians are predicted by ideological commitment and human values. Respondents were 129 undergraduate volunteers who completed measures of conservatism, values and stereotypes of homosexuals. Males were found to be significantly more negatively disposed toward gays and lesbians than females and to endorse national strength and order more so than females. As predicted, values and conservative ideology were linked to negative stereotypes in predictable ways, although multiple regression analyses revealed the strong mediating influence of ideology. The results are discussed with reference to the nature of conservatism and males higher levels of homophobia.