Attitudes towards homosexuality in a sample of Novi Sad (Serbia) population
Attitudes towards homosexuality in a sample of Novi Sad (Serbia) population

Summary/Abstract: Objectives. Serbia is generally considered to be socially conservative with regard to the rights of homosexual individuals. The aim of this study was to investigate the attitudes towards homosexuality in a sample population of the city of Novi Sad.Material and methods. The survey was conducted in 2014, and included high schools and institutions chosen as a combining random sample. The total number of respondents was 242 and their age ranged from 14 to 59 years. The instrument was an anonymous questionnaire (Homophobia Scale – HS) (Wright, Adams, and Bernat, 1999) that consisted of 25 statements. Respondents answer on a 5-point Likert scale of 1 (Strongly Agree) to 5 (Strongly Disagree). Results. Analysis of the survey points to a moderate degree of homophobia in respondents. Males express higher homophobia (38.69±22.56) than females (24.79±17.37). In both males and females, inter-factor percentage of homonegativism is highest in Factor 3 – Cognitive Negativism, and lowest regarding Factor 2 – Behavioral Aggression. Higher means of total homophobia are detected in both male and female respondents with secondary education. Homophobia is most noticeable in youngest age category and least observable in the category 40-59 years of age. Conclusion. The study contributes to enlarging the database on the attitudes of Serbian population toward homosexual individuals. The results indicate that negative attitudes are still present in the population. Similar studies in the future can contribute to widening public consciousness and reducing ignorance, prejudice and stereotypes regarding homosexuality.

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