Gender-related factors influencing perceptions of homosexuality

There is a long history linking gender role conformity to perceived homosex uality. However, the lack of a systematic theoretical model hinders the elu cidation of the interrelationships among gender stereotypes, conformity to gender stereotypes, and perceived homosexuality, as well as other factors w hich may mediate these relationships. The purpose of the present study was to propose such a model by combining theories of gender stereotype formatio n and maintenance with research investigating perceptions of homosexuality. Specifically, this study examined college students' perceptions of gender role characteristics in male and female adult target persons and these stud ents' perceptions of the likelihood that the targets were homosexual. Path analysis demonstrated that the sex and occupation of the target person were significantly related to perceived masculinity, femininity, and homosexual ity of the target person. Furthermore, individual differences in these rela tionships were observed, indicating that the sex and Sender role characteri stics of the participant influenced perceptions of the gender role attribut es and homosexuality of the target person.