Homophobia Among Students in Social Work Programs

Abstract

This article presents the results of a study examining students' levels of homophobia and changes in these levels at various points in the social work curriculum. The study found that social work courses exert a weak but positive influence on students' attitudes toward lesbians and gay men. The level of homophobia expressed by students significantly varied by gender and race. Major course of study in school did not significantly influence levels of homophobia. Students in all classes reported the highest levels of homophobia on statements related to sexuality and the lowest levels of homophobia on statements related to civil rights. Implications for social work education are also discussed.