Understanding variations in LGBTIQ+ acceptance across space and time: The importance of norm perceptions and political dynamics

Sweigart, Michael M; Galván-Hernández, Danna; Hässler, Tabea; Hegarty, Peter; Kite, Mary E; Ofuso, Eugene K; Ünsal, Banu C and Eisner, Léïla (2024). Understanding variations in LGBTIQ+ acceptance across space and time: The importance of norm perceptions and political dynamics. Journal of Social Issues, 80(3) pp. 1112–1131.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/josi.12638

Abstract

The 21st century has seen dynamic social, legal, and political change regarding the rights and acceptance of lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, intersex, and queer/questioning (LGBTIQ+) people. This article argues that social norm perceptions – perceptions of other people’s opinions in a given social context – and the political dynamics that shape those perceptions are important for understanding differences in LGBTIQ+ acceptance across sociopolitical environments and time periods. Rather than focusing on “actual” norms—people’s opinions on average in different groups—we center norm perceptions since people often conform to the attitudes and behaviors held and endorsed by others to achieve social belonging and accuracy in their judgments. We review evidence regarding structural (e.g., laws and institutional decisions), group (e.g., social identities), and individual (e.g., ideology) factors that influence perceptions of, and conformity to, norms of LGBTIQ+ inclusion or exclusion. Drawing on this review, we consider how political dynamics—the ways that civic and political actors make salient, promote, and frame issues, values, and norms in contesting or maintaining the status quo—influence interpretations of, and responses to, norm signals, thus shaping differences in LGBTIQ+ rights norms across contexts and time periods. In conclusion, we chart future areas for research, policy, and practice.

Plain Language Summary

People often conform to the attitudes and behaviors held and endorsed by others to achieve basic social goals. Accordingly, perceptions of other people’s opinions help to explain differences in LGBTIQ+ acceptance across social contexts and time periods. This paper separates out structural (e.g., laws and institutional decisions), group (e.g., social identities), and individual (e.g., ideology) factors relevant to norm perception. It consider the dynamic ways that political actors make salient, promote, and frame issues, values, and norms to influence LGBTIQ+ rights across contexts and time periods.

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