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Impact of Prison Experience on Anti-gay Sentiments: Longitudinal Analysis of Inmates and Their Families

Author

Listed:
  • Ananyev, Maxim

    (University of Melbourne)

  • Poyker, Mikhail

    (University of Texas at Austin)

Abstract

Inmates' informal code often ascribes low status to persons perceived as passive homosexuals. We use longitudinal data to investigate whether prison experience contributes to anti-gay beliefs. We find that prison experience prompts a higher level of anti-gay sentiments among males and their families, while no discernible difference exists before incarceration. We find no effect for female ex-prisoners. We confirm that the results are not driven by pre-incarceration trends, changes in trust and social capital, socioeconomic status, mental health, masculinity norms, and other potential alternative explanations. Our study sheds light on the overlooked role of prisons as a significant contributor to the propagation of anti-gay attitudes.

Suggested Citation

  • Ananyev, Maxim & Poyker, Mikhail, 2024. "Impact of Prison Experience on Anti-gay Sentiments: Longitudinal Analysis of Inmates and Their Families," IZA Discussion Papers 17137, IZA Network @ LISER.
    • Handle: RePEc:iza:izadps:dp17137
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • J15 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Economics of Minorities, Races, Indigenous Peoples, and Immigrants; Non-labor Discrimination
    • M14 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Business Administration - - - Corporate Culture; Diversity; Social Responsibility
    • H76 - Public Economics - - State and Local Government; Intergovernmental Relations - - - Other Expenditure Categories
    • K42 - Law and Economics - - Legal Procedure, the Legal System, and Illegal Behavior - - - Illegal Behavior and the Enforcement of Law
    • P00 - Political Economy and Comparative Economic Systems - - General - - - General
    • R29 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - Household Analysis - - - Other
    • Z13 - Other Special Topics - - Cultural Economics - - - Economic Sociology; Economic Anthropology; Language; Social and Economic Stratification

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