Abstract |
The purpose of this research is to investigate the Stereotypical Attitudes and Perceptions, as well as the Linguistic Stereotypes, of young heterosexuals towards homosexuality. Additionally, the aim is to study homosexual stereotypes based on the criterion of the country of residence, to determine whether beliefs, behaviors, and linguistic data differ according to the cultural context and gender. The methodology of the work is based on the collection of primary and secondary data, with the secondary data being collected through the review of books, articles, and scientific journals. These data concern the theoretical approaches to stereotypes, attitudes, perceptions, and linguistic concepts related to homosexuality, traditional gender roles, and the differentiation of stereotypes between men and women. The primary data of the research were obtained through the conduct of primary quantitative research using a questionnaire. The study involved 60 participants who were asked to complete a questionnaire that included elements from the ATLG, HPS, HAS, HATH, HS, Riddle Scale, HCAT scales, and a scale by Deaux and Lewis. It was found that male participants, due to the need to maintain gender roles, especially masculinity, express more stereotypes towards homosexuality compared to women, who do not adhere to these social norms to the same extent. Specifically, it was shown that perceptions and attitudes differ according to gender, with women exhibiting them to a smaller degree. On the other hand, stereotypes at a perceptual and linguistic level do not differ between men and women, except in a few cases. Furthermore, the impact of the cultural context has not been sufficiently studied in the past, although it seems to be an important factor in the adoption and expression of stereotypes. However, this particular study indicates that when it comes to examining perceptions, stereotypes, and linguistic stereotypes, the country of residence does not appear to affect the results, and thus there are no differences between native Greeks and Greeks living abroad. The findings suggest that stereotypes towards homosexuality constitute a multidimensional phenomenon that requires further exploration, so that appropriate interventions can be developed to eliminate discrimination at the perceptual, behavioral, and linguistic levels against sexual minorities.
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