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BSW perceptions of tolerance for LGB worker stigma: An exploratory study
Journal article   Peer reviewed

BSW perceptions of tolerance for LGB worker stigma: An exploratory study

Trevor G Gates and B J Reilly
Journal of Baccalaureate Social Work, Vol.19(1), pp.115-132
2014
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5555/basw.19.1.p930273hk566g0m2
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https://doi.org/10.5555/basw.19.1.p930273hk566g0m2View
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Abstract

Social Work stigma discrimination organizations lesbian gay and bisexual workers baccalaureate social workers
Stigmatizing attitudes and behaviors affect many workplaces, and the social service workplace is no exception. Although professional social work values promote affirmative work with lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) people, the social service workplace is not universally supportive of LGB workers. This exploratory, cross-sectional study of baccalaureate social workers (N=78) in a southwestern state in the United States examines perceptions of organizational tolerance of stigmatizing behaviors and attitudes toward LGB workers and whether those baccalaureate social workers' perceptions differed by other characteristics, including sex, race and ethnicity, social class, and sexual orientation identity. The study found that these baccalaureate social workers perceived low to moderate organizational tolerance of stigmatizing attitudes and behaviors toward LGB workers. Their perceptions differed by sex, social class, and sexual orientation identity but not by race and ethnicity. Implications for policy, as well as baccalaureate social work practice and education, are explored.

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