The role of sexual orientation in differentiating between perceptions of rape myths, gender role stereotypes and social distance: The case of Israel

Abstract

The purpose of the current study was to explore the relationships between Israeli gender role stereotypes, rape myths toward male and female victims, and social distance from sex crime victims and sex offenders, according to the observer?s sex and sexual orientation (gay men, lesbian women, and heterosexual men and women). The data was collected during the end of 2016 and included 401 Israeli participants. A multivariate analysis of variance, as well as series of Pearson analyses, were used to examine the differences between groups as well as to examine the correlations between research variables. Results broadly conformed to predictions, with men generally more negative than women. However, people with a same-sex orientation endorse more liberal gender role attitudes than heterosexuals. In addition, overall, participants expressed greater willingness to maintain social contacts with victims than with offenders. Nonetheless, only among heterosexuals significant negative correlations between rape myths and willingness to maintain social contacts with victims were found.

Psychological factors and the use of psychoactive substances in relation to sexual orientation: A study on Israeli young adults

“…Even in supportive families, it may be that LG young adults receive no sexuality-specific support within the home (Doty et al, 2010 ), a situation that may be related to the effect of the prevalent social outlook. Despite increased awareness, Israeli society is still influenced by conservative perceptions of sexual orientation (Bonny-Noach & Shechory-Bitton, 2020 ; Shechory Bitton and Jaeger, 2020 ; Slomowitz & Feit, 2015 ).…”

“…Participants were eligible if they were between 18 and 25 years of age. Owing to the difficulty of obtaining a representative sample of Israeli LG young adults (for example, Shilo et al, 2015 ; Shechory Bitton and Jaeger, 2020 ), four research assistants were recruited – two lesbians, one gay male, and one heterosexual female – and they distributed the questionnaire to young adults, including in LG social spaces on university and college campuses. Participants were asked to complete the questionnaire in Hebrew on a voluntary and anonymous basis.…”

“…Israel in this regard is similar to the rest of the Western world (Shenkman et al, 2020 ). Israel boasts a relatively open sexual minority community protected by nondiscrimination legislation (Shechory Bitton & Jaeger, 2020 ; Shilo & Savaya, 2011 ). Even so, sexual minorities are still considered more vulnerable to psychological distress (Bouris et al, 2010 ; Shenkman et al, 2020 ), and are still subjected to mistreatment as a result of their sexual orientation (The association for LGBT in Israel, 2020 ).…”

“…In addition, unlike their counterparts in most Western countries, Israeli Jewish young adults (men and women from the age of 18) must participate in mandatory military service where dominant masculine identity tropes are enforced. For sexual minorities, military service is a common stressor mainly because the army idealizes hegemonic masculinity (e.g., Shechory-Bitton & Jaeger, 2020 ; Shulman et al, 2006 ). As a result, they may be apprehensive about exposing their sexual orientation in the army, and delay coming out until post-military civilian life (Shilo & Pizmony-Levy, 2011 ).…”