Large differences

“I began to study the subject in 2012, on my return from the United States. Research had already been done in an opposite sense, but the question had never been asked in this way even though these topics are present in the news and in psychology. Our objective is therefore to conduct a cross-national study because we are aware that the socio-political context can vary greatly according to the country in question”, says Salvatore D’Amore.

There are large differences between the seven nations that took part in this survey (Belgium, France, Greece, Italy, Portugal, Poland and Spain). While Belgium affords a maximum number of rights to gays and lesbians such as adoption, marriage or same-sex parenting, the same does not apply to countries like Greece or Italy which adopt a much more conservative position on the subject. “But laws are made by politicians. We want to know what young people really think about the subject”.

Firstly, 10,700 heterosexual university students (4,621 in Belgium, 2,263 in France and 3,825 in Italy), aged from 18 to 25 years, were questioned online. The questionnaire they agreed to answer was intended to measure different aspects such as political affiliation, religion, the degree of contact with homosexual people and traditional views on the respective roles of men and women etc.

Analysis of the responses of these young people showed that their views were largely favorable to homosexuality and same–sex parenting. More than 75% of them across the three countries were in favor of marriage for everyone. With regard to gay and lesbian parenting, the results varied according to gender: three–quarters of girls were favorable while 55% to 68% of boys were in favor.  

Variations according to nationality were also observed. For example, more young Belgian women defend the right to same-sex marriage than young Italians (which was not the case among the males questioned. “Girls are generally more accepting than boys. If there are differences between countries, it is probably due to the legal framework. Belgium is more progressive in this respect in that it granted the right to gay marriage in 2003 and adoption in 2006… In Italy, the influence of religion is more important and there is a markedly traditional approach to gender roles”, explains the psychologist.

Salvatore D’Amore observed that political and religious conservatism (“the more religious the individual, the less favorable they are to gay marriage and adoption”), a low level of recognition of civil rights as well as a traditional vision of society (such as: “women should be more family-centered”, “men should be dominant and strong”, etc.) were synonymous with a low level of acceptance. “It is important to understand and identify these levels of resistance in order to better study the situation”.