GLBT Alliance in Social and Personality Psychology
an affiliate of the Society for Personality and Social Psychology (SPSP)

SPSP Symposium

Title: Sexual Prejudice and Heterosexism: Critical Considerations on Perpetrators and Targets

Chairs: Theresa K. Vescio and Matthew P. Paolucci, Pennsylvania State University

Discussant: Allen Omoto, Claremont Graduate University

Speakers: Gregory M. Herek, Galen Bodenhausen, Matthew Paolucci, and Janet Swim

Symposium Summary

This symposium will present data relevant to a diverse array of issues critical to the study of sexual prejudice (also referred to as heterosexism). It will highlight the potential for research in this area to inform and extend existing theories of prejudice, and will consider the substantial consequences of sexual prejudice for its targets. Speakers will consider the social psychological implications of gender differences in sexual prejudice (Herek), the seemingly non-prejudiced justifications that highly prejudiced heterosexual perceivers create to explain their anti-gay and anti-lesbian responding (Bodenhausen), and the compartmentalization of negative attitudes and egalitarian value endorsement (Paolucci). Turning attention to the target's perspective, the final talk will address the consequences of everyday experiences with heterosexism for the coping and self-esteem of gay men and lesbians (Swim). The session will conclude with a broader consideration of the status of research on sexual prejudice in mainstream social psychology and a discussion of why sexual prejudice warrants study as a distinct content area (Omoto).

Speakers and Titles

1. Gregory M. Herek: Gender Differences in Sexual Prejudice

2. Galen Bodenhausen: Aversive Heterosexism: Implications for Progress in the Pursuit of Gay Rights

3. Matthew P. Paolucci & Theresa K. Vescio: The Compartmentalization of Anti-Gay Prejudice

4. Janet Swim, Nick Pearson, & Kristen Johnston: Stress and the Experience of Everyday Heterosexism

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Page last updated 4/12/05