Why do some people dislike gay rights

Despite these disagreements, Americans are relatively liberal compared to countries across the world, where the consequences for gay or transgender citizens are far more dire. In Europe and here in the Americas, only a minority of people believe that homosexuality is never justified.

The percentage increases in places like Russia, India and China. Why are there such big differences in public opinion about homosexuality? Within countries, a similar set of demographic characteristics tend to influence how people feel about homosexuality. For example, women tend to be more liberal than men.

Older people tend to be more conservative than younger ones. Muslims are more likely to disapprove of homosexuality than Catholics, Jews and mainline Protestants. It now has surveys from almostrespondents. My analysis shows that differences in attitudes between nations can largely be explained by three factors: economic development, democracy and religion.

Sweden, Switzerland and the Netherlands are some of the richest nations in the world. They are also some of the most tolerant. In sharp contrast, countries like Uganda and Nigeria are quite poor and the vast majority of residents disapprove. How does the amount of money a country has shape attitudes?

In very poor countries, people are likely to be more concerned about basic survival. Parents may worry about how to obtain clean water and food for their children. Residents may feel that if they stick together and work closely with friends, family and community members, they will lead a more predictable and stable life.

In this way, social scientists have found that a group mentality may develop, encouraging people to think in similar ways and discouraging individual differences. Because of the focus on group loyalty and traditionmany residents from poorer countries are likely to view homosexuality as highly problematic.

It violates traditional sensibilities. Many people may feel that LGBTQ individuals should conform to dominant heterosexual and traditional family norms.

A Brief History Of Homophobia

Conversely, residents from richer nations are less dependent on the group and less concerned about basic survival. They have more freedom to choose their partners and lifestyle. Even in relatively rich countries like the United Statessome people will still find homosexuality problematic.

But, many will also be supportive. Regardless of how much money they make, most people living in poorer countries are likely to be affected by cultural norms that focus on survival and group loyalty, leading to more disapproval. The type of government also matters. People living in more democratic countries tend to be more supportive of homosexuality.

Democracy increases tolerance by exposing residents to new perspectives. Freedom of speech also allows residents to protest and not be arrested. When residents feel that they can freely express their ideasthey become even more inclined to speak up for themselves and others.

This leads to more tolerance. Countries dominated by Islam, Eastern Orthodoxy and those that have a mixture of conservative and mainline Protestant faiths are more likely to disapprove.