Sexual orientation is a strong and exceptionally consistent predictor of social attitudes. I conclude that sexuality should become a core factor in social scientific theory and empirical analysis.
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DZzOWWYWAAA5vGS.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DZzOhjSXcAAqGlC.jpg)
Sexuality is still a marginal topic
Total # of papers in last 80 years in top generalist sociology journals:
Gender: 785
Race: 576
Sexuality: 25
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DZzhxvWWAAISv6v.jpg)
In fact, sexuality is 2x as strong a divide on general political orientation as gender, race, and college:
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DZzl858X4AAUAPd.jpg)
This pattern lends support to a marginalized identity explanation for why sexual minorities are so liberal.
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DZzmElkXUAE-tei.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DZzmGo_X4AAaft0.jpg)
But on same-sex marriage, there's been convergence over time (primarily because heterosexuals had more room for attitude change).
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DZznMCQX4AMg0qe.jpg)
Their lesser religious fundamentalism and greater liberal partisanship help explain why sexual minorities are liberal on specific issues.
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DZz1jhHWAAAS8_Y.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DZz1qQhWsAAIjiQ.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DZz2La4XcAAH4go.jpg)
This consistency is not matched by gender, race, or even education differences in attitudes:
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DZz24kYX0AA4E6h.jpg)
The impact of sexual orientation on social attitudes is intersectional, varying across groups and issues. It's impact is typically larger among more privileged groups.
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DaBuW0JWAAA-vtS.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DaBugx7WAAAWxqF.jpg)
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DaBula3XUAgocK3.jpg)
Here are some practical recommendations for (1) how to measure sexuality and (2) how to deal with missing data:
![](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DaJERDfW0AAJn20.jpg)