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That’s Gay! Gay as a Slur Among College Students

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  • Robert Postic
  • Elizabeth Prough

Abstract

In recent years, the use of the word “gay†as a synonym for dumb or lame or stupid has become prevalent in our culture. Because of this, it is clear that many individuals do not consider the word to be a slur and are not offended by its use. Using an original data set ( N = 790) collected from four Midwestern universities in the winter of 2011-2012, this article examines the characteristics of those college students who perceive the word gay to be a slur or who are offended. We find that those individuals who report having more gay friends are more likely to take offense at the use of the word gay as a slur even after controls are instituted. We also find that, contrary to expectations, attendance at religious services appears to have a direct relationship, with more frequent attenders more likely to express offense at the use of gay as a slur. Egalitarianism also emerged as a significant predictor. We offer suggestions as to why some college students perceive the word to be a slur while a majority of college students do not.

Suggested Citation

  • Robert Postic & Elizabeth Prough, 2014. "That’s Gay! Gay as a Slur Among College Students," SAGE Open, , vol. 4(4), pages 21582440145, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:sagope:v:4:y:2014:i:4:p:2158244014556996
    DOI: 10.1177/2158244014556996
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    4. Lawrence, David G., 1976. "Procedural Norms and Tolerance: A Reassessment," American Political Science Review, Cambridge University Press, vol. 70(1), pages 80-100, March.
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    Keywords

    gay; slur; tolerance; social contact;
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