1

CHAPTER I

PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND

Introduction

In this world of different cultures, sexuality is assumed to be the core of

human beings. Therefore, this speaks of a person’s sexual orientation. Sexual

orientation is an enduring pattern of or disposition to experience sexual,

affectional or romantic attractions primarily to men, to women, or to both sexes

(American Psychological Association).

The war of the sexes has been going on since Freud drew the line

between homosexuality and heterosexuality. This gave birth on how people

judge others’ sexuality based on the norms of the society. Thus, human sexuality

is one factor that we consider on what we think about ourselves and how we

evaluate people.

Such people who are often judged and discriminated are the

homosexuals. Despite the claims that homosexuality today is being accepted,

those people with homosexual orientation still face prejudice and stereotyping.

As cited by Almira (2002) from the Encarta Encyclopedia 2002, discrimination

against homosexuality is prevalent because of the existence of social and sexual

taboos in the society. Ideologies on how homosexuality is viewed influence on

how society accepts homosexuality (Cruz and Mallari, 2007). It is seen as a

 2

threat because it seems to challenge conventional rules designate to male and

female, sexual preferences and general roles in the society (Altman, 1989).

Ever since, we consider man is for woman and woman is for man. This is

the reason why homosexuals experience varying conditions of social and legal

acceptance around the world. Society’s attitude have influence on how

individuals may feel about their behavior and so, people with homosexual

orientation suffer discrimination as a result of societal disapproval and rejection

over them. Because we witnessed from the beginning that heterosexuality is the

norm, people consider deviations from it as abnormal.

But in December 1973, the APA board of trustees has stopped listing

homosexuality as a mental disorder with the explanation that “for a mental

condition to be considered a psychiatric disorder, it should either regularly cause

emotional distress or regularly associated with generalized impairment of social

functioning; homosexuality does not meet those criteria”. However, the APA

added it under a new category called sexual orientation disturbance. (Time

Magazine)

Sex researcher Alfred Kinsey on his research reported that in the United

States, between 1% and 2 % of the women and 4 % of the men were exclusively

homosexuals, with 13% of all men predominantly homosexuals for at least three
 3

years of their lives. A conservative estimate of those who are exclusively

homosexuals today is five million.

Even in the Philippines, homosexuality is rampant. Although gays and

lesbians are generally tolerated, there are still widespread cases of

discrimination. Being called gay (bakla) will always merit negative connotations

(Abu, 2010). However, there exists a paradox with two realities. Parents who

beat up their child after knowing his homosexual orientation later on tolerate the

grown-up breadwinner who can pay the bills. This situation makes it hard for the

observers to pinpoint whether or not the Filipinos accept homosexuality.

In fact, this is evident in the popular spread of swardspeak or ‘gay lingo’.

This is so popular that even some of the straight males and females are adept in

using the language. In the culture of Philippine homosexuals, the growing

population of gays and lesbians was teamed with the outspread of gay language.

This is unique that it immediately identifies the speakers as homosexuals. It is

also dynamic that the invention or formulation of new words may change over

time as they arise from expressions, famous figures and even simple things that

represent an object that the speaker talks about. Swardspeak allows the

homosexuals to generate a space of their own, afar different from those of the

heterosexuals.
 4

Attitudes and sets of beliefs towards sexuality have changed considerably

over time. Numbers of factors including time, socio-economic status, cultural

beliefs and institutions might influence such changes. Today, in this modern and

liberated era, how do we see homosexuality? Have we, like the changing

opinions of many people from all over the globe, taken a new point of view

towards homosexuality from a negative perspective to a positive one?

It is the view of this study to highlight and understand the present attitude

and views of psychology students towards homosexuality. It is for this purpose

that the researchers proposed this study.

Statement of the Problem

This study purports to determine the attitude of psychology students in the

University of Makati towards homosexuality. It shall attempt to answer the

following questions:

1. What is the profile of the respondents in terms of:

a. Age

b. Gender

2. What is the perception of female respondents towards homosexuality?

3. What is the perception of male respondents towards homosexuality?

4. Is there a significant difference between female and male’s perceptions

toward homosexuality?
 5

Hypothesis

In this study, the null hypothesis tested is:

Ho: There is no significant difference between female and male’s

perception towards homosexuality.

Significance of the Study

The findings of this study might benefit the following:

Community

This study is essential for the community to create a non-biased

environment on developing attitude and judgment towards the sexual orientation

of other people.

Students

By understanding the perceptions and views, the results of this study

might benefit the students to become non-judgmental concerning other people’s

differences.

Researchers

This could serve as a reference that may help the future researchers finish

their study.

Homosexuals

The results of this research will be helpful to the homosexuals by being

aware of how they are seen by the people around them, thus, giving them

chance to respond and act appropriately.

 6

Scope and Limitation

The researchers intended to investigate only the perception of selected

psychology students of the University of Makati towards homosexuality. The

respondents will be limited to only 50 students. Factors affecting their

perceptions were not discussed.

 7

Definition of Terms

The following terms are defined conceptually and operationally. Attitude-

is the perception, position, feeling or stand of the respondents regarding

homosexuality. Discrimination- a negative perception given to the homosexuals

and homosexual orientation by the people in the community. Male Gays- males

who feel and project themselves as females to the community. Gender- one’s

personal outlook to his or her role in society as a person in sexual aspect.

Heterosexuality- is sexual preference of the individual being either a male or a

female. Heterosexuals- relates to different sexes; a straight male or a straight

female. Homosexuality- romantic or social attraction of a man towards another

man or a woman towards another woman. Homosexuals- means a man

directing romantic or social attraction to a man or a woman directing romantic or

social attraction to a woman. Female gays- are females who feel and project

themselves as males to the community. Sexuality- is a person’s real biological

identity based on his or her physical features. Sexual orientation Disturbance-

is used to describe the individuals who were in conflict with or wished to alter

their sexual orientation.

 8

CHAPTER II

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES

This chapter will briefly discuss the compilation of foreign and local

literatures and studies related to the present study.

Foreign and Local Literatures

According to Hendin (2001), homosexuals today live in double jeopardy.

Because of its new political stance, "the homosexual world is exerting taboos of

its own. Young men are now not only faced with the traditional forces that

encourage homosexuals to hate themselves, but also must contend with a strong

counter pressure to deny even to themselves whatever conflict, pain, or anguish

they feel."

Consequently, this is evident on what homosexual Poet Allen Ginsberg

said: "I think a lot of homosexual conflict comes from internalizing society's

distrust of your love, finally doubting your own love, and therefore not being able

to act on them."

The notion that homosexuality can or should be "cured" is a matter of

dispute. In the past 20 years, a number of psychoanalysts have reported limited

success with patients who wanted to become heterosexual, but many

psychiatrists and sex researchers are dubious about the reported changes.
 9

Moreover, the reigning theory among sex researchers is that

homosexuality, like heterosexuality, is "learned behavior"—the product of subtle

interaction between a child and the significant people around him. Only birds and

lower mammals are rigidly programmed to mate with the opposite sex. The

higher one goes on the mammalian scale, the more the organism is under the

sway of learning rather than inherited factors. But that does not really explain

anything either. Scientists do not yet know how an individual creates a

heterosexual or homosexual value system.

Bhan (2004) explained that rising visibility of gay people in the region is

just one of many social changes that have been accelerated by travel,

urbanization, education, democratization and, most of all, the explosion of

information across every imaginable medium. The simply Westernization — the

old argument that homosexuality is yet another crass cultural import from the

West has been all but discarded. But the Asian social institutions and beliefs that

often stood in the way of tolerance — religious conservatism, intense emphasis

on marriage and having children, cultural taboos against openly discussing

sexuality — are weakening. In some parts of Asia, space is opening up for

homosexuals in society. "The debate about sexuality is in the realm of the

constitution, of democracy, equality and human rights,"

According to TIME magazine ( Oct 2009), children who become aware of

their homosexual attractions no longer need endure the baleful combination of

 10

loneliness and longing that characterized the childhoods of so many gay adults.

Gay kids can now watch fictional and real teens that are out on shows like

Desperate Housewives, the dating show Next on MTV and Degrassi (a high

school drama on the N network whose wild popularity among adolescents is

assured by the fact that few adults watch it). Publishers like Arthur A. Levine

Books (of Harry Potter fame) and the children's division at Simon & Schuster

have released something like a dozen novels about gay adolescents in the past

two years. New, achingly earnest books like Rainbow Road (Simon & Schuster),

in which three gay teens take a road trip, are coming this month. Gay kids can

subscribe to the 10-month-old glossy YGA Magazine (YGA stands for "young gay

America") and meet thousands of other little gays via young gay america com or

outproud.org Gay boys can chat, vote for the Lord of the Rings character they

would most like to date- learn how to have safe oral sex and ogle pictures of

young men in their underwear. TIME (2009) revealed that kids are disclosing

their homosexuality with unprecedented regularity--and they are doing so much

younger. The average gay person now comes out just before or after graduating

high school, according to The New Gay Teenager, a book Harvard University

Press published this summer.

And so, Gittings (2000) stated that “What homosexual wants is neither to

compromise nor morally required to compromise but acceptance of

homosexuality as a way of life fully on a far with heterosexuality.

 11

Michael Glatze (2008) said that “Healing from the wounds caused by

homosexuality is not easy--there's little obvious support. What support remains

are shamed, ridiculed, silenced by rhetoric, or made illegal by twisting of laws.

Part of the homosexual agenda is getting people to stop considering that

conversion is even a viable question to be asked, let alone whether or not it

works."

Dean (2008) stated that with homosexuality, a person who desires

freedom from such behaviors must determine to look beyond their own

perceptions, and realize that sexual intimacy with someone else of the same

gender is not the legitimate answer to the inward feelings and desires that do

long for a more fulfilling intimacy, and a closer connection, with people of the

same gender. He continued to add that the pressure to normalize our attitudes

toward homosexuality comes at us today from every corner of our society. He

also cited that most open homosexuals want to feel normal about themselves

from within their own hearts. And subconsciously they believe that they can

accomplish this desire by forcing our society to think of them as normal. And

that's the desired, "happy ending" to their "fairytale" plight. But because of the

much deeper issues that lurk beneath their homosexuality, they'll never be able

to feel "normal" about themselves in the way that they really desire to, even if our

society fully accepted them.

 12

A Sunstar article reported the quoted line of Cebu Archbishop Ricardo

Cardinal Vidal on a matter involving homosexuality as follows: “Homosexual

activities are against morality, we should not forget that” (Anonymous, 2008).

Dame (2008) asserts that the debate about homosexuality can be

summed up into three arguments:

1. Homosexuality is against the natural order;

2. Homosexuality is against the teachings of God; and

3. Acceptance of homosexuals can prove to be detrimental to society.

In these arguments, he proposed that homosexuality has nothing to do

with morality. Rather, immorality is a product of the public’s judgment

generalization. Sexual orientation of the person does not keep a person from

being morally upright. And so, acceptance of the homosexuals will rattle but not

destroy the society.

According to Evangelista (2009), the denied petition of a LGBT (lesbians,

gays, bisexuals, transgender) group permits discrimination among homosexuals.

She claims, on the issue of the group filing for the recognition as a sectoral party

that when the COMELEC defended its decision by announcing homosexuality as

a state that offended religious morality and its duty “to protect the youth from

moral and spiritual degradation”, the state claimed the homosexuals as

dangerous to youth, deserving of every discriminatory action since they started

stepping out of dark closets.

 13

Alianan (2007), on the article “understanding homosexuality” stated that

“those who have gone through this process testify to the pain and anguish of

accepting their homosexuality”.

“Homosexuals in the Philippines are scrutinized by three different social

institutions: the Church, media and the Filipino culture. Certain social taboos

shun the open homosexuals, leaving them better off with dual identities just for

acceptance” (Abu, 2010).

Avelino, et al. (2010) on the article “The Tale of Bromance” says

Bromance-the term used to describe a close but non-sexual relationship between

two men (Collins English Dictionary),

“may seem like a head-scratching situation for an old-fashioned, red-blooded

male, but for people who came into being in the last few decades, this kind of

relationship is common”.

Melina (2000) pointed out on evaluating homosexuality that:

1. Homosexual behavior lacks unitive meaning…at the same time,

homosexual activity involves the illusion of a false intimacy that is obsessively

sought and consistently lacking.

2. Homosexual act also lacks openness to the procreative meaning of

human sexuality.

He added that recognizing people with homosexual orientation cannot be

described as neutral or good but paying them their freedom is a respect and
 14

consideration for their dignity. He also mentioned that “a systematic plan for the

public justification and glorification of homosexuality is taking shape starting with

the attempt to make it fully accepted in the mind of the society”.

Synthesis

In the issue of homosexuality, different views, perceptions and opinions

arise. There are those who disapprove while others accept it. Understanding the

background including the cultural practices of each one who speaks out his

opinion will make us realize the differing outlooks. Based on the literatures,

Evangelista’s article disclosed the negativity of how the state judged the

homosexuals. This judgment for instance, permits the people as a whole to label,

stigmatize and discriminate the homosexuals. As supported by Alianan’s,

Hendin’s and Glatze’s articles, people with homosexual orientation experiences

pains in revealing their identity. They experience struggles and shame first before

they can achieve the society’s acceptance. So, this does not guarantee the total

acceptance of most people in general. Moreover, the reports of the TIME

magazine revealed how homosexuality today is being practice even by the young

children. Accordingly, this lead on Avelino and his colleagues’ outlook of

homosexuality today as being more on the positive side. Being a person of these

modern days, issue of homosexuality is considered a normal, common thing. As

they view it, gone are the days that most people raise their eyebrows with

regards to homosexuals. Slowly, the grave discrimination and stigma among

 15

them disappears. People nowadays are becoming more open-minded and

understanding when considering the sexuality of other people.

These literatures are helpful in order to understand the underlying reasons

of how people judge other’s sexuality, what they think about them and how they

directly or indirectly see these people, based on what perspective they are

looking from.
 16

Foreign and Local Studies

Pinijvararak (1973) acknowledged in his study the terms that

designates types of homosexuality such as "Katoei" which might mean differently

in medical or psychological contexts and in the society in general. Writers, as he

pronounced, tend to define homosexuality according to concepts or images

associated with the homosexuals in society at large. The present study is

defining homosexuality according to the perceptions of respondents.

This is supported by the study of Foundation Emergence in 2009. It

conducted a survey in Canada through Leger Marketing and it concluded that the

perception of homosexuality is influenced by the status of homosexuality in the

country of origin. Respondents from Africa and Asian countries are clearly less

open-minded towards homosexuality than immigrants from Western Europe. The

present study is similar with the latter part which focuses in the perception of

homosexuality but only with students of University of Makati

Meanwhile, Okan Cem Cirakolu (2006) revealed in his study about the

most negative attitudes towards the label ‘gay’, the participants who had previous

contact with homosexual people held more positive towards homosexuality than

the others. This finding is further strengthened by Amber (2008). He concluded

in his study that when a person considered him more homophobic, it appears

that the more antagonistic they were. The present study have similarities with the

study which measure the negative perception of respondents which. The same
 17

as measuring the positive perception of the respondents about the

homosexuality.

According to Ross and Wells (2007), homosexual behavior is based on

the ability to have sex. In such as a system, sexual contract between males

would have advantages of promoting homosocial bonds in a male- dominated

society, and of reducing rivalry over females. The homosexuality development of

homosexual behavior is that it is expatiation of homosocial behavior. The present

study only focuses about the perception and the study measuring even the

reaction of individual in a situation with the homosexuals.

In his study about the gains, struggles and losses of female homosexuals,

Mangangey (2001) concluded that:

1. The gains of female homosexuals show the diverse

opportunities by which they manifest their homosexuality;

2. The struggles of female homosexuals are the prejudice and

discriminatory attitudes of the community; and

3. The losses of female homosexuals are social and personal

needs expected from the people.

Meanwhile, in a research dealing with the relationships of male gays and

female gays, the perceptions towards same-sex relationship presented by Castro

(2007), it was found out that respondents’ perception regarding this matter is
 18

more of negative than a positive. Despite the fact that they accept and respect

the gays and lesbians, they believe that homosexuality is a choice, and so, this

allows a person with a homosexual orientation to change. the present study the

same with Castro’s study searches the perception of students regarding

homosexuality.

Castro’s findings were supported by the study of Valeña (2008) on related

issue by concluding that homosexuality is not normal, considered by the

respondents as immoral.

In view of the social acceptance needs of homosexuals, it was reported

that one half of the male homosexuals have high social fear but high self-esteem.

They also long free expression of opinion and sexual preferences, equal

treatment to them like normal individuals and be treated with dignity. (Escabarte,

2000).

Similarly, a research presented the findings on the perceptions towards

homosexuals. It found out that people see these homosexuals as talkative, has

unreasonable demands and not so good role models. (Coprado, 2006).

However, a different study of Calixto, et al. (2001), still on the perception

towards homosexuality revealed that people view the homosexuals as outgoing

and easy to be with despite the misbehaviors they are likely to show at different

situations.
 19

Furthermore, on discussing these perceptions, the study of Cayabyab

(2006) pointed out the significant difference in the respondents’ attitude towards

male and female gays. Results showed that males’ attitude towards

homosexuals tends to be negative than those of the females.

Findings on the 2002 Global Attitudes Project as represented on Cruz and

Mallari’s “Revisiting Social Acceptance of Homosexuality among Filipino Youth”

showed that 64 % of the adult Filipinos reported that homosexuality should be

accepted by society and there seem to have tolerance for homosexuals

(www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Societal_attitudes_towards_homosexuality). And

generally, there exists a significant difference in acceptability of homosexuals by

gender with females (59.7%) being more accepting than males (41.2%). Based

on their conclusions, the acceptance of homosexuality is different from

homosexual acceptability. Most respondents who seemed to accept

homosexuality disapproved homosexual practices, that is, acceptance takes into

account not only the physical representation of the homosexual person but also

the practices that characterize him. These practices include men dating men,

women dating women, and sexual attraction to the same sex. Statistics found out

that the following results of the study by sex differ. a. in the variable ‘men dating

men’, the approval of males corresponds 11.8% whereas females’ approval

constitutes 9.8%; b. in the variable ‘women dating women’, the approval of males

corresponds 12.8%, whereas females’ approval constitutes 12.2%; and c. in the

 20

variable ‘same-sex attraction’, the approval of males corresponds 10.1%,

whereas females’ approval constitutes 12.0%.

As a whole, the approval of the practice o homosexuality is 20.8 percent

as perceived by males and 21.3 percent as perceived by females. On their study,

Cruz and Mallari explored the issue of social acceptance of homosexuality in the

Philippines both qualitatively and quantitatively. Their study presented that

acceptance of homosexuality must be extended from the acceptance of the

homosexual person into incorporating the acceptance of homosexual practice.

Synthesis

Homosexuality had been an issue for quite a long time now that the

society is weighing whether to accept it or not. So, people from different ages,

times and cultures deliberately pronounce their ideas of acceptance and rejection

towards homosexuality and homosexual orientation. Among the studies

conducted on this issue of homosexuality, Mangangey, Castro and Cayabyab’s

studies are similar to the present research as it discusses how certain groups of

people perceive homosexuality. Their studies reported the negative outlook of

the respondents and whether males and females differ significantly in viewing

this. Considering too the results of Cruz and Mallari’s study is beneficial to the

present study due to the view of how far the acceptance of homosexuality had

reached. The current study will consider both the positive and negative outlook of

both males and females of the psychology department of University of Makati

towards homosexuality.
 21

In general, the current research aims to assess the perception of

heterosexual females and males towards homosexuality by knowing their attitude

about the homosexuals. This however, does not cover the characteristics, social

acceptance needs, aspirations and behavior of homosexuals.

 22

Theoretical Framework

To provide anchor and support for the present study, Carl Jung’s theory is

cited:

Carl Gustav Jung developed the idea of the Anima and Animus from his

analytical practice and from examining his own psychology. Jung recognized that

there is an inferior feminine orientation in the male psyche which he named the

Anima, from the Latin word for spirit, and an inferior masculine orientation in the

female psyche which he called the Animus. From Jung's observations during the

analysis of his patients, he recognized the Anima and Animus to be unconscious

elements of the psyche which needed to be developed, or made conscious, by

the individual in order for the individual to maintain a healthy, balanced outlook in

personal relationships and on the world at large. The Anima in a man, Jung

maintained, is a mostly personal image of a woman within his psyche which each

man carries with him through life. This image, or inner psychic reality, is a

composition of a man's experiences of feminity from childhood on, which is

combined also with ancestral and archaic collective impressions of feminity. In

women, the Animus plays a similar role of defining the masculine side of a

woman's personality. Anima and animus are male and female principles that

represent this deep difference. While men have a fundamental anima and

women an animus, each may also have the other, just as men have a feminine

side and women a masculine. Jung theorized the development of the

anima/animus as beginning with infant projection onto the mother, then projecting

onto prospective partners until a lasting relationship can be found.

 23

The theory of Jung is a basis in searching the acceptability of

homosexuals and their practices in society. Researchers find this theory closely

related and can support the present study.

Figure 1 in the next page explains the intensions of the researchers to find

out the extent to which homosexuals are perceived positively and negatively by

both males and females.

 24

Conceptual Framework

FRIENDS

MALES FEMALES
POSITIVE

FAMILY NEGATIVE

SOCIAL ORGANIZATIONS

Figure 1.

The concept of Mary Kite researches focuses on gender and how our

beliefs about gender intersect with our beliefs about other groups. It has focused

on attitudes toward and belief about male gay and female gay and how theses

are linked to our attitudes and beliefs about men and women generally.
 25

The letter P as the vertex stands for perception and the inner circle

denotes the positive or negative perception which comprises attitudes, beliefs,

and practices which are perceived by selected Psychology males and female

(middle circle) and finally become the general assessment of students’ attitude

on homosexuality. The attitudes and beliefs of Psychology students towards

homosexuality may become the subject of scrutiny by the other segments of

society such as the family, friends, church servers and member of social

organization)

Research Paradigm

RESPONDENTS
 26

MALE FEMALE

Survey Questionnaire

Homosexuality

Figure 2

The attitude of the respondents towards homosexuality can be assessed by the

employment of the 21- item questionnaire and considering their profile.

CHAPTER III

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
 27

This chapter includes the research design, sample and sampling

technique, research locale, data gathering procedures, instrumentation and

statistical treatment of data.

Research Design

In determining the perception towards homosexuality of third year BS

Psychology Students of University of Makati, the researchers employed a

descriptive survey method. Descriptive research is used to obtain information

concerning the current status of the phenomena to describe what exists with

respect to variables or conditions in a situation.

(http://www.okstate.edu/ag/agedcm4h/academic/aged5980a/5980/newpage110.h

tm). On the other hand, survey indicates the gathering of data regarding current

situations. The researchers chose this design since they were concern on how

homosexuality was viewed and this was made possible by conducting survey.

Sample and Sampling Techniques

The respondents of this study were comprised of 25 females and 25

males of the University of Makati’s psychology students available on the date of

survey.

The research used a Convenient Sampling technique. Convenient

Sampling is a non-probability sampling technique where subjects are selected

because of their convenient accessibility and proximity to the researcher. The

 28

subjects are selected because they are easiest to recruit for the study and the

researcher did not consider selecting subjects that are representative of the

entire population (http://www.experiment-resources.com/convenience-

sampling.html).

Research Locale

The researchers conducted the study at University of Makati located at

J.P. Rizal Ext, West Rembo, Makati City where the researchers and the

respondents were students of the said school.

Instrumentation

The adopted questionnaire was the instrument used in conducting the

research. It was a set of orderly arranged questions carefully prepared to answer

the specific problem of the study ( Zulueta & Costates 2005).

The principal instrument used in gathering data in the study was a

standardized questionnaire adopted from Kite and Deaux in Attitudes toward

homosexuality: Assessment and behavioral consequences Basic and Applied

Social Psychology. The Homosexuality Attitude Scale assesses stereotypes,

misconceptions, and anxieties toward homosexual people unidimensionally

(favorable or unfavorable) using a likert design. Participants rate each of the

twenty-one items from 1 strongly Agree to 5 Strongly Disagree

Data Gathering Procedure

 29

A written request was prepared by the researchers addressed to the Head

of the Department of Psychology, Philosophy and the Humanities asking a

permission to undertake a study on the attitude of University of Makati’s third

year psychology students towards to homosexuality.

Upon approval, documentation proceeded and the standard

questionnaires were distributed to the respondents.

Statistical Treatment of Data

Gathered data for this study will statistically evaluated and interpreted for

the enlightenment of the said problem.

Below are the statistical equations to support this investigation.

1. Frequency count and percentage distribution will be used in the

description of the respondents

2. Weighted Mean

This is a measure of central tendency of collected raw data. This

was used to find out the mean scores of male and female students.

Formula:
 30

Where:

X – Mean Score

N- Number of respondents

3. Standard Deviation

This is used to determine the variability and spread of score around

the mean score of the respondents of this study.

Formula:

Where:

s - the standard deviation

x - each value in the sample

- the mean of the values

n - the number of values (the sample size)

 31

4. T- test for Independent Variable

This is used to determine if there is a significant difference between

two independent groups in term of means.

Formula:

Where:

X1 – mean of the first sample

X2 – mean of the second sample

S1 – standard deviation of the first sample

S2 – standard deviation of the second sample

n1 – size of the first sample

n2 – size of the second sample

 32

CHAPTER IV

PRESENTATION, INTERPRETATION AND ANALYSIS OF DATA

Chapter 4 shows the presentation, interpretation and analysis of data

gathered to answer the problems in Chapter I.

The Profile of the Respondents

The profile of the respondents will be presented and discussed according

to age and gender.

Table 1 presents the distribution of respondents according to age.

TABLE 1
Distribution of Respondents According to Age

No. of
Age
Respondents % Rank

30-32 2 4 4.5
27-29 0 0 6
24-26 2 4 4.5
21-23 3 6 3
18-20 36 72 1
15-17 7 14 2
Total 50 100

As presented in the table, majority of the respondents were in the age

bracket of 18 to 20 years of age with a total of 32 or 72 percent. They were

followed by the respondents with ages 15 to 17 representing 7 or 14 percent.

While there were 3 respondents or 6 percent of the ages 21 to 23, there were
 33

equal numbers of participants having ages 24 to 26 and 30-32 or 4 percent of the

sample. The age bracket of 27-29 years old meanwhile, has no respondents. The

respondents with ages 18 to 20 has the largest number of respondents because

they were third year students.

Figure 2 shows the distribution of respondents according to gender.

 34

Figure 2. Distribution of Respondents According to Gender

As shown in Figure 2, there were equal numbers of male and female

respondents involved in the study. There were 25 female participants

representing the 50 percent and there were also 25 male participants comprising

the remaining 50 percent. Proportioned number of respondents according to

gender was purposely designed by the researchers so as to make valid results in

considering the perception of females and males toward homosexuality.

Perception of Female Respondents towards Homosexuality

Table 3 and 4 reflect how females perceive homosexuality.

 35

Table 3 shows the means scores of the female respondents on the

positive perceptions towards homosexuality.

TABLE 3

Mean Scores of Female Respondents on Positive Perception

Towards Homosexuality

Item V. I. Rank

1. I would not mind having a homosexual friend. 4.44 A 3

2. Finding out that an artist was gay would have no effect on my appreciation of
4.48 A 2
his/her work.
3. I would not be afraid for my child to have a homosexual teacher. 3.36 N 7
4. I do not really find the thought of homosexual acts disgusting. 3 N 9
5. I see the gay movement as a positive thing. 2.92 N 10
6. Homosexuality, as far as I'm concerned is not sinful. 2.52 N 11
7. I would not mind being employed by a homosexual. 3.8 A 5
8. I would not decline membership in an organization just because it had
4.08 A 4
homosexual members.
9. I would vote for a homosexual in an election for public office. 3.24 N 8
10. If I knew someone were gay, I would still go ahead and form a friendship
4.25 SA 1
with that individual.
11. If I were a parent, I could accept my son or daughter being gay. 3.6 A 6
Average Mean 39.96

Legend:
SA - Strongly Agree
A - Agree
N - Neutral
D - Disagree
SD - Strongly Disagree

As can be seen on Table 3, the female respondents generally agree and

neutral in the positive perception towards homosexuality. Most of these female

respondents strongly agreed on pursuing friendship towards a gay person.

Nevertheless, they did not consider gay movements as a positive thing. The
 36

ranking of the items showed that females had high positive perception towards

homosexuality. This was a reflection of Avelino, et. al’s article that though

homosexuality maybe seen like a head- scratching situation, those people who

came into being in the few decades viewed it as a common thing. Moreover, it

can be anchored in Medina’s evaluation on homosexuality as he pointed out that

recognizing people with homosexual orientation cannot be described as neutral

or good but paying the homosexuals their freedom is a respect and consideration

for their dignity.

Table 4 shows the mean scores of female respondents on negative

perception towards homosexuality.

 37

TABLE 4

Mean Scores of Female Respondents on Negative Perception

Towards Homosexuality

Item V. I. Rank

12. I won't associate with known homosexuals if I can help it. 3.28 N 4
13. I would look for a new place to live of I found out my roommate is a gay. 3.4 N 7
14. Homosexuality is a mental illness. 3.68 A 8
15. Gays dislike members of the opposite sex. 3.72 A 9
16. Homosexuals are more likely to commit deviant sexual acts as child molestation,
3.32 N 5
rape and voyeurism (Peeping Toms), than the heterosexuals.
17. Homosexuals should be kept separate from the rest of society. 4 A 10
18. Two individuals of the same sex holding hands or displaying affections in public
2.68 N 2
is revolting.
19. The love between two males or two females is different from the love between
2.6 N 1
two persons of the opposite sex.
20. Homosexuals should be forced to have psychological treatment. 3.36 N 6
21. The increasing acceptance of homosexuality in our society is aiding in the
3.04 N 3
deterioration of morals.
33.0
Composite Mean
8

Legend:
SA - Strongly Agree
A - Agree
N - Neutral
D - Disagree
SD - Strongly Disagree

The table above showed that female respondents were generally neutral

on negative perceptions. Ranking their answers, there were more of neutral

responses on items regarding their stand towards the homosexuals and

homosexual acts. They consider the acceptance of homosexuality in our society

as aiding in the deterioration of morals and that love between two homosexuals

is quite different from the love between two persons of the opposite sex. These

were parallel to Castro’s findings where the respondents’ perception regarding

 38

this matter was more of negative than positive. Despite the fact that they accept

and respect the homosexuals, they still view their homosexual acts negatively.

Accordingly, Cruz and Mallari’s findings concluded that most respondents who

seemed to accept homosexuality disapproved homosexual practices, that is,

acceptance takes into account not only the physical representation of the

homosexual person but also the practices that characterize him. Dean’s

statement supports these reactions. When perceived or seen by a heterosexual,

homosexual who desires acceptance for homosexual acts must realize that

sexual intimacy with someone of the same gender is still a taboo in the society,

that is, it is not an excuse for the inward feelings and desire that he/she has for

the person of the same gender.

Perception of Male Respondents towards Homosexuality

Table 5 and 6 presents how males perceive homosexuality.

 39

Table 5 reveals the mean scores of male respondents on positive

perception towards homosexuality.

TABLE 5

Mean Scores of Male Respondents in Positive Perception

Towards Homosexuality

Item V. I. Rank

1. I would not mind having a homosexual friend. 3.24 N 7

2. Finding out that an artist was gay would have no effect on my appreciation of
3.68 A 2
his/her work.
3. I would not be afraid for my child to have a homosexual teacher. 3.28 N 6
4. I do not really find the thought of homosexual acts disgusting. 3.2 N 8
5. I see the gay movement as a positive thing. 2.8 N 9
6. Homosexuality, as far as I'm concerned is not sinful. 3.36 N 5
7. I would not mind being employed by a homosexual. 3.56 A 4
8. I would not decline membership in an organization just because it had
3.72 A 1
homosexual members.
9. I would vote for a homosexual in an election for public office. 2.76 N 10
10. If I knew someone were gay, I would still go ahead and form a friendship with
3.64 A 3
that individual.
11. If I were a parent, I could accept my son or daughter being gay. 2.68 N 11
Average Mean 35.92

Legend:
SA - Strongly Agree
A - Agree
N - Neutral
D - Disagree
SD - Strongly Disagree

Table 5 revealed that male respondents generally, neither agree nor

disagree on perceiving homosexuality positively. As seen on the ranking, males

consider homosexuality in deciding over important matters like in job selection.

This has the same result of Castro’s research that most of the respondents

yielded negative perception towards homosexuality more than a positive one.

 40

Despite the male respondents’ understanding for homosexuality, they believe

that homosexuality has to be viewed negatively. As seen on the male

respondent’s circle of friends, they generally had homosexual friends but they

had stronger connections to their male peers.

Table 6 presents the mean score of male respondents on negative

perception towards homosexuality.

TABLE 6
 41

Mean Scores of Male Respondents in Negative Perception

Towards Homosexuality

Item V. I. Rank

12. I won't associate with known homosexuals if I can help it. 3.08 Neutral 3.5
13. I would look for a new place to live of I found out my roommate was gay. 3.2 Neutral 7
14. Homosexuality is a mental illness. 3.32 Neutral 9
15. Gays dislike members of the opposite sex. 3.24 Neutral 8
16. Homosexual are more likely to commit deviant sexual acts as child molestation,
3.12 Neutral 5
rape and voyeurism (Peeping Toms), than the heterosexuals.
17. Homosexuals should be kept separate from the rest of society. 3.68 Agree 10
18. Two individual of the same sex holding hands or displaying affections in public is
3.6 Neutral 6
revolting.
19. The love between two males or two females is quite different from the love between
2.8 Neutral 1
two persons of the opposite sex.
20. Homosexuals should be forced to have psychological treatment. 3.08 Neutral 3.5
21. The increasing acceptance of homosexuality in our society is aiding in the
2.96 Neutral 2
deterioration of morals.
31.6
Average Mean
4

Legend:
SA - Strongly Agree
A - Agree
N - Neutral
D - Disagree
SD - Strongly Disagree

As presented on Table 6, the males consistently showed neutral position in

perceiving homosexuality. The least agreement however, of these respondents

was on keeping the homosexuals separate from the society. Generally, male had

more negative perceptions towards homosexuality than the females. As

Cayabyab and Mallari disclosed on evaluating acceptance of homosexuality in

the Philippines, there was a difference in the acceptability of homosexuality by

gender with females being more accepting. Males’ attitude tends to be more

negative. In general, the homosexual acts were the factors that delivered the
 42

respondents on negative perception towards homosexuality, not the

homosexuals themselves. As stated by Cruz, acceptance of homosexuality

considers the practices of the homosexuals.

Table 7 presents the comparison of perception towards homosexuality

according to gender.

TABLE 7

Comparison of Perception Towards Homosexuality

According to Gender
 43

Area Females Males T-value Critical value Decision Description

Mean Mean

Positive 3.63 3.27 3.6 1.96 Reject Ho Significant difference

Negative 3.31 3.16 2.5 1.96 Reject Ho Significant difference

After aggregating the statistical treatment of data, the result concluded

that there was a significant difference between the perception towards

homosexuality between males and females. This means that the differences on

the results of males and females opinions, where males tend to be more negative

and females tend to be more tolerant, affects in the general perception towards

homosexuality. The said rejection of the null hypothesis which states that there is

no significant difference between female and male’s perception towards

homosexuality solidifies the evidence that there exist a significant difference in

acceptability of homosexuals by gender with females being more accepting than

males.

CHAPTER V

SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECCOMENDATION

 44

This chapter presents the summary of findings, conclusions, and the

recommendations of the present study. This chapter also answers and highlights

the questions based on the statement of the problem.

Summary of Findings

This study came up with the findings summarized as follows:

1. Demographic Profile of the Respondents

Most of the respondents were in the age bracket of 18 to 20 years old with

a total of 32 or 72 percent, followed by ages 15 to 17 with a total of 7 or 14

percent. The 50 respondents were equally divided into 25 females and 25 males

or 50 percent each.

2. Perception of Female Respondents towards Homosexuality

Most of the female respondents perceived homosexuals positively than

the males with the average mean score of 39.96. Based on the results of the

survey, the average mean of 33.08 implies that female respondents were

generally neutral on negative perception towards homosexuality.

3. Perception of Male Respondents towards Homosexuality

The response of male participants as seen on the mean of 35.92 revealed

that they were neither agree nor disagree on having positive perceptions towards
 45

homosexuality. They consistently showed neutral position in perceiving

homosexuality. Despite their understanding for homosexuality, they believed that

homosexuality has to be viewed negatively.

4. Comparison of Perception towards Homosexuality According to

Gender

The response of the female and male participants revealed that there was

a significant difference on the perception towards homosexuality according to

gender due to the results of T – test.

Conclusions

Based on the results of the study, the researchers arrived at the following

conclusions:

1. The respondents in the study were generally in the age bracket of 18 to 20.

2. There were equal numbers of male and female respondents involved in the

study.

3. The female respondents had a positive perception towards homosexuality

based on the results of the T – test.

4. The male respondents, according to the outcome of the T – test, perceived

homosexuality negatively.
 46

5. The data gathered revealed that in the different perceptions of female and

male psychology students, there existed a significant difference on their

perception towards homosexuality.

Recommendations

In the light of the foregoing findings and conclusions the following

recommendations are hereby forwarded:

1. A baseline data that will help analyze factors that influence homosexuality is

needed for further understanding by the people of how homosexuality is

perceived by different people.

2. Conduct other studies that will highlight what dictates the perception of

heterosexual males and females toward homosexuality.

3. Practice respect and courtesy towards other people, regardless of their

sexual preference/ sexuality.

Bibliography

Books
 47

Macionis, John, J. Sociology. Prentice Hall, Inc. 8th Ed. (2001)

Smith, E. et al. Introduction to Psychology. Thomson Asian Edition. (2003).

Published Materials

Abu, A.A 25 Cents’ Worth: The Bi Lie. In The Lasallian Menagerie. p 21. (2010).

Alianan,B., et al. Understanding Homosexuality. In Good Housekeeping. (2007).

Avelino, G.,et al The Tale of Bromance. In The lasallian Menagerie. P.67. (2010).

Dame, Jerome. Homosexuals: Amidst the Issues of Morality & Conformity.

(2008).

Evangelista, Patricia.. Method to Madness, So Sayeth the Comelec. In Philippine

Daily Inquirer. (2009)

Melina, L. Moral Criteria for Evaluating Homosexuality. (2000).

The Journal of Social Psychology Volume 146, Number 3. Pp. 293-305. .(2006).

Unpublished Materials

Calixto, R. et al. Perception of the Fourth Year College Students of the University
of Northern Philippines, Candon , Ilocos Sur Towards Homosexuality. (2001).

Castro,J Opinion of Selected Students of University of Makati on Same-Sex

Relationship. .(2007).

Cayabyab,C. The Attitude of Heterosexual Males Towards Homosexuals in

Centennial Village, Taguig City. (2006).

Coprado,Michelle..Students Perceptions on Homosexual Teachers. 2006

 48

Cruz, C.J., Mallari, R.B.,.Revisiting Social Acceptance of Homosexuality among

Filipino Youth: some Theoretical & Methodological Implications. In Philippine
Population Review.Volume 6,Number 1. Pp. 45-70. (2007)

Escabarte, R. Social Acceptance Needs of Homosexuals in Mandaue City:

Proposed Intervention Programs. (2000).

Mangangey, P. Pains, Struggles & Losses of Female Homosexuals. (2003).

Perception of Homosexuality among Turkish university students: the Roles of

Labels, Gender, and Prior Contact. In Critique: Studies in Contemporary Fiction.
Volume 48, Number 3.Pp. 250-277. (2007).

Ross, M. et al.The modernist fallacy in homosexual selection theories:

Homosexual and Homosocial Exaptation in South Asian Society. In Journal
Sexualities, Evolution & Gender. Volume 2, Issue 3. Pp. 253-262.Previously
published as: Psychology, Evolution & Gender (1461-6661, 1470-1073) until
2003. . (2000).

Valeña, C .An Assessment on the Perception of Selected Gays on Same –Sex

Relationship within the City of Makati. .(2008)

Electronic Device

http://www.arts.chula.ac.th/~complit/thesis/thesis_en/1983.htm

http://www.time.com/homosexuality

http://www.clearinghouse.missouriwestern.edu/manuscripts/67.php

http://www.homophobiaday.org/default.aspx?scheme=3754

http://www.informaworld.com/smpp/content~content=a713606456&db=all

http://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Societal_attitudes_towards_homosexuality

http://www.okstate.edu/ag/agedcm4h/academic/aged5980a/5980/newpage110.ht
m

http://www.questia.com

http://pcij.org/stories/i-am-woe-man/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Same-sex_relationship
 49

http://www.en.wikipilipinas.org/index.php?title=Homosexuality_in_the_Philippines

http://www.en.wikipilipinas.org/index.php?title=Gay_rights_in_the_Philippines

http://www.bulatlat.com/main/2009/11/16/chr-on-ang-ladlads-disqualification-
homosexuality-does-not-equate-to-immorality/

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/sunday-essays-same-sex-relationship

http://search.newsweek.com/search?q=homosexulity+and+morality

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez

http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1005162,00.html

http://www.bsu.edu/web/mkite/basp.scale.htm
 50

APPENDIX A

LETTER OF APPROVAL
 51

APPENDIX B

QUESTIONAIRE

Homosexuality Attitude Scale

Source: Kite. M.E., & Deaux, K. (1986). Attitudes toward homosexuality: Assessment and
behavioral consequences. Basic and Applied Social Psychology, 7, 137-162.

Name (Optional): _______________________

Age: _________________________________
Gender: ______________________________
Religion: _____________________________

Please encircle your level of agreement with the items below making 5 as the highest point and 1
being the lowest.

1. I would not mind having a homosexual friend. 1 2 3 4 5

2. Finding out that an artist was gay would have 1 2 3 4 5

no effect on my appreciation of his/her work.

3. I would not be afraid for my child to have 1 2 3 4 5

a homosexual teacher.

4. I do not really find the thought of homosexual 1 2 3 4 5

acts disgusting.

5. I see the gay movement as a positive thing. 1 2 3 4 5

6. Homosexuality, as far as I’m concerned, 1 2 3 4 5

is not sinful.

7. I would not mind being employed

by a homosexual. 1 2 3 4 5
 52

8. I would not decline membership in

an organization just because it had 1 2 3 4 5
homosexual members.

9. I would vote for a homosexual in

an election for public office. 1 2 3 4 5

10. If I knew someone were gay, I would 1 2 3 4 5

still go ahead and form a friendship
with that individual.

11. If I were a parent, I could accept my 1 2 3 4 5

son or daughter being gay.

Please encircle your level of agreement with the items below making 1 as the highest point and 5
being the lowest.

12. I won/t associate with known homosexuals 5 4 3 2 1

if I can help it.

13. I would look for a new place to live if I found 5 4 3 2 1

out my roommate was gay.

14. Homosexuality is a mental illness. 5 4 3 2 1

15. Gays dislike members of the opposite sex. 5 4 3 2 1

16. Homosexuals are more likely to commit deviant 5 4 3 2 1

sexual acts, such as child molestation, rape, and
voyeurism (Peeping Toms), than are heterosexuals.

17. Homosexuals should be kept separate from 5 4 3 2 1

the rest of society
(i.e., separate housing restricted employment).

18. Two individual of the same sex holding hands 5 4 3 2 1

or displaying affection in public is revolting.

19. The love between two males or two females 5 4 3 2 1

is quite different from the love between two

persons of the opposite sex.

20. Homosexuals should be forced to have 5 4 3 2 1

psychological treatment.

21. The increasing acceptance of 5 4 3 2 1

homosexuality in our society is
aiding in the deterioration of morals.
 53

APPENDIX C

SAMPLE COMPUTATION

Mean Scores of Female Respondents per Item

Item 1:

Item f Computation Mean

5 14 2.28

4 8 1.28

3 3 0.36

2 0 0 0

1 0 0 0
------------- --------------
25 4.44

Mean Scores of Male Respondents per Item

Item f Computation Mean

5 4 0.08
 54

4 7 1.12

3 9 1.08

2 1 0.08

1 1 0.16
------------- --------------
25 3.24

Female:

Positive Perception Negative Perception

x ( x-x)² x ( x-x)²
4.44 0.6561 3.28 0.0009
4.48 0.7225 3.4 0.0081
3.36 0.0729 3.68 0.1369
3 0.3969 3.72 0.1681
2.92 0.5041 3.32 0.0001
2.52 1.2321 4 0.4761
3.8 0.0289 2.68 0.3969
4.08 0.2025 2.6 0.5041
3.24 0.1521 3.36 0.0025
4.52 0.7921 3.04 0.07
3.6 0.0009 ∑x=33.08 ∑(x-x)²= 1.7666
∑x= 39.96 ∑(x-x)²= 4.7611

Mean:

Standard Deviation:
 55

Male:

Positive Perception Negative Perception

x ( x-x)² x ( x-x)²
3.24 0.0004 3.08 0.0064
3.68 0.1764 3.2 0.0016
3.28 0.0004 3.32 0.0256
3.2 0.0036 3.24 0.0064
2.8 0.2116 3.12 0.0016
3.36 0.01 3.68 0.2704
3.56 0.09 3.16 0
3.72 0.2116 2.8 0.1296
3.76 0.25 3.08 0.0064
3.64 0.1444 2.96 0.04
3.64 0.3364 ∑x=31.64 ∑(x-x)²= 0.488
∑x= 35.92 ∑(x-x)²= 1.4348

Mean:

Standard Deviation:
 56

T- Test:

Positive Perception Negative Perception

 57

APPENDIX D

CURRICULUM VITAE