Ambivalent sexism and multidimensional heterosexism are multifaceted constructs that can be endorsed on individual, sociocultural, and institutional levels, both representing structural and individual oppression systems towards marginalised groups, namely, women and non-heterosexual people. The current study was aimed at investigating the moderating role of sexism in the relationship between heterosexism and individuals’ attitudes towards same-sex parenting, as well as the association between these variables. Data were collected through an online survey between March 2024 and October 2024. The sample consisted of 250 participants aged 18 to 70 years who responded to various sociodemographic questions and completed the Ambivalent Sexism Inventory (ASI), the Multidimensional Heterosexism Inventory (MHI), and the Same-Sex Parenting Scale (SSPS). Correlational and moderation analyses were performed on these variables using SPSS version 29. Overall, women, less conservative people, LGBTQ+ individuals, and non-religious and less educated people scored significantly lower in the ASI and MHI and endorsed more positive attitudes towards same-sex parenting. Ambivalent sexism was also found to moderate the relationship between multidimensional heterosexism and attitudes towards same-sex parenting. The results of the current study underscore the importance of considering sexism when examining how heterosexism impacts the individual’s attitudes towards same-sex parenting. Clinical implications are discussed to guide future research and practice.
The moderating role of ambivalent sexism in the relationship between multidimensional heterosexism and attitudes towards same-sex parenting: an exploratory analysis with clinical implications
Selene Mezzalira;
2025-01-01
Abstract
Ambivalent sexism and multidimensional heterosexism are multifaceted constructs that can be endorsed on individual, sociocultural, and institutional levels, both representing structural and individual oppression systems towards marginalised groups, namely, women and non-heterosexual people. The current study was aimed at investigating the moderating role of sexism in the relationship between heterosexism and individuals’ attitudes towards same-sex parenting, as well as the association between these variables. Data were collected through an online survey between March 2024 and October 2024. The sample consisted of 250 participants aged 18 to 70 years who responded to various sociodemographic questions and completed the Ambivalent Sexism Inventory (ASI), the Multidimensional Heterosexism Inventory (MHI), and the Same-Sex Parenting Scale (SSPS). Correlational and moderation analyses were performed on these variables using SPSS version 29. Overall, women, less conservative people, LGBTQ+ individuals, and non-religious and less educated people scored significantly lower in the ASI and MHI and endorsed more positive attitudes towards same-sex parenting. Ambivalent sexism was also found to moderate the relationship between multidimensional heterosexism and attitudes towards same-sex parenting. The results of the current study underscore the importance of considering sexism when examining how heterosexism impacts the individual’s attitudes towards same-sex parenting. Clinical implications are discussed to guide future research and practice.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
