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 language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 1040-1050 |
Number of pages | 11 |
Journal | Journal of personality and social psychology |
Volume | 92 |
Issue number | 6 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Jun 2007 |
Keywords
- homophobia
- peer groups
- prejudice
- social dominance
- socialization
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Sociology and Political Science