A poststructural discourse analysis of the attitudes, beliefs, and values of undergraduate Canadian university students regarding sexual orientation

Abstract

The socio-politico-cultural context of sexual orientation often influences the attitudes, beliefs, and values produced in a given society. This study employed a qualitative methodology to explore the current attitudes, beliefs, and values of Canadian undergraduate students about sexual orientation. Students in a large human sexuality course at a Canadian university completed open-ended questions on the educational platform Top Hat. The data were analyzed using discourse analysis and four threads of discourse emerged: 1) The Nature of Sexual Orientation, 2) Gender Norms and Bisexuality, 3) Shared Connections, and 4) Foundations of Friendships. These findings contribute to the growing body of knowledge relating to changing attitudes, beliefs, and values about sexual orientation of Canadian university students.