The Socialization of Dominance: Peer Group Contextual Effects on Homophobic and Dominance Attitudes

V. Paul Poteat, Dorothy L. Espelage, Harold D. Green

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Using the framework of social dominance theory, the current investigation tested for the contextual effects of adolescent peer groups on individuals' homophobic and social dominance attitudes. Results from multilevel models indicated that significant differences existed across peer groups on homophobic attitudes. In addition, these differences were accounted for on the basis of the hierarchy-enhancing or -attenuating climate of the group. A group socialization effect on individuals' social dominance attitudes over time was also observed. Furthermore, the social climate of the peer group moderated the stability of individuals' social dominance attitudes. Findings support the need to examine more proximal and informal group affiliations and earlier developmental periods in efforts to build more comprehensive theoretical models explaining when and how prejudiced and dominance attitudes are formed and the way in which they are perpetuated.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1040-1050
Number of pages11
JournalJournal of personality and social psychology
Volume92
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 2007

Keywords

  • homophobia
  • peer groups
  • prejudice
  • social dominance
  • socialization

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Sociology and Political Science

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