Editing Heterosexism (section)

===Research===

Research on heterosexism has focused on variables that may affect views of heterosexism. For instance, in a study by psychologist, [[Gregory M. Herek]], it was found that there was a gender difference between heterosexual attitudes toward lesbians and gay men.<ref name="Herek, G. M. 1988">{{cite journal |last1=Herek |first1=Gregory M. |title=Heterosexuals' attitudes toward lesbians and gay men: Correlates and gender differences |journal=Journal of Sex Research |date=1988 |volume=25 |issue=4 |pages=451–477 |doi=10.1080/00224498809551476}}</ref> Specifically, the study reveals that heterosexual individuals all seem to have some heterosexist tendency, however, heterosexual males have a greater tendency than heterosexual females to exhibit negative attitudes towards non-heterosexual individuals (this includes gay men, lesbians, and bisexuals). Another notable finding of Herek's study was that heterosexual males showed a greater tendency to demonstrate hostility towards gay men rather than lesbians.<ref name="Herek, G. M. 1988"/> Other factors that Herek acknowledges to contribute to heterosexism include individual differences, religiosity, conforming to social norms, [[right-wing authoritarianism]], customs and beliefs regarding cultural tradition, and personal experience with non-heterosexual individuals.<ref name="Herek, G. M. 1988"/> Research has also recognized the effects of level of education on views of heterosexism.<ref name="Wright L. W. 1999">{{cite journal |last1=Wright Jr. |first1=Lester W. |last2=Adams |first2=Henry E. |last3=Bernat |first3=Jeffery |title=Development and Validation of the Homophobia Scale |journal=Journal of Psychopathology and Behavioral Assessment |date=1999 |volume=21 |issue=4 |pages=337–347 |doi=10.1023/A:1022172816258}}</ref> Wright et al. revealed that higher levels of education, or having more years of education, is related to less homophobic tendencies.<ref name="Wright L. W. 1999"/>