Examining the Social Tabooisation of Asexuality: The Underpinnings of Anti-Asexual Bias

Abstract

Introduction: Anti-asexual bias has received limited but growing public and academic attention. Examining prejudice towards asexuals expands the depth of intergroup and intragroup relation research. Methods: The current study is aimed at clarifying anti-asexuality bias by examining attitudes towards asexual individuals with a multi-item measure in Greek culture. An exploratory cross-sectional study was conducted between April 4 and May 4, 2021, via an online survey. One hundred and eighty-seven undergraduate students participated in the current study. Bivariate correlation was used to explore the associations between variables of interest. Next, hypotheses were examined by performing a bootstrapping analysis for parallel multiple mediation models. Results: The findings of this study support the role of context-related socio-cultural (religiosity, political positioning) and social-psychological factors (adherence to social norms) in predicting participants’ anti-asexual bias. Conclusions: This study draws attention to the stigmatization of asexuality. It warns professionals, policymakers, and social agents about the dominant sexually normative socio-cultural context that may negatively affect asexuals’ lives. Policy Implications: Providing information about the supporting base of outgroup dislike might be a way of promoting social change. Stakeholders and professionals who influence people’s lives (educators, health professionals) should be aware of possible stigmatization to no further stigmatize asexual individuals, ensuring they do not internalize and project these stereotypical assumptions.