Abstract
In three studies (total N = 239) we examined the unexplored question of whether voice conveying sexual orientation elicits stigma and discrimination in the context of adoption. Studies 1 and 2 were conducted in Italy where same-sex adoption is illegal and controversial. Study 3 was conducted in the United Kingdom where same-sex adoption is legal and generally more accepted. The three studies show that listeners draw strong inferences from voice when judging hypothetical adoption seekers. Both Italian and British listeners judged gay-sounding speakers as warmer and as having better parenting skills, yet Italian participants consistently preferred straight over gay-sounding applicants, whereas British participants showed an opposite tendency, presumably reflecting the different normative context in the two countries. We conclude that vocal cues may have culturally distinct effects on judgment and decision making and that people with gay-sounding voices may face discrimination in adoption procedures in countries with antigay norms.
Highlights
MethodsThe sample consisted of 107 participants (54 women, Mage = 22.61, SD = 2.81), including 75 heterosexuals and 32 LGB participants
Email: f.fasoli@surrey.ac.uk important in relation to adoption involving same-sex parents, because it is often claimed that gay parents do not possess the necessary parenting skills to support children’s adjustment and development (Baiocco, Nardelli, Pezzuti, & Lingiardi, 2013). We examine such first impressions of adoption seekers whose sexual orientation (SO) is not explicitly mentioned, but conveyed by vocal cues (Fasoli, Maass, & Sulpizio, 2016)
Across 3 studies, two conducted in Italy, where same-sex adoption is illegal and one in the United Kingdom where same-sex couples have the right to adopt (ILGAEurope, 2018), we examined whether gay- and straight-sounding voices would affect listeners’ preferences for and perception of speakers as potential foster parents
Summary
The sample consisted of 107 participants (54 women, Mage = 22.61, SD = 2.81), including 75 heterosexuals and 32 LGB participants. The majority had a high school diploma or a higher level of education (94%), politically identified as center-left/left (39%) or preferred not to respond (36%), and were currently not employed (62%). Many of them were in a relationship (49%) and a minority (13%) had children. Two gay and two straight speakers were asked to record a short sentence while imagining they were calling a phone-line providing information about adoption. Each speaker uttered “I would like to get more information about adoption of a child.”
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