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Telenovelas and attitudes toward the LGBTQ+ community in Latin America

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  • Gulesci, Selim
  • Lombardi, María
  • Ramos, Alejandra

Abstract

How does exposure to soap operas with LGBTQ+ characters affect attitudes toward the LGBTQ+ community? To answer this question, we construct a novel database of 175 Telenovelas (soap operas) with LGBTQ+ characters airing in 14 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean between 2002 and 2019. Exploiting variation in the introduction of new soap operas with LGBTQ+ characters within country and survey-waves, we find that individuals exposed to more soap operas with LGBTQ+ characters are less tolerant toward the LGBTQ+ community. This short-term backlash is driven by shows with comedic storylines. The effect is stronger among traditionally more conservative individuals (e.g. older or frequently attending religious services).

Suggested Citation

  • Gulesci, Selim & Lombardi, María & Ramos, Alejandra, 2024. "Telenovelas and attitudes toward the LGBTQ+ community in Latin America," Labour Economics, Elsevier, vol. 87(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:labeco:v:87:y:2024:i:c:s092753712300163x
    DOI: 10.1016/j.labeco.2023.102488
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    1. M. V. Lee Badgett & Christopher S. Carpenter & Maxine J. Lee & Dario Sansone, 2024. "A Review of the Economics of Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity," Journal of Economic Literature, American Economic Association, vol. 62(3), pages 948-994, September.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Discrimination; Attitudes; LGBTQ+; Media; Latin America; Caribbean;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • J15 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Economics of Minorities, Races, Indigenous Peoples, and Immigrants; Non-labor Discrimination
    • J71 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Labor Discrimination - - - Hiring and Firing
    • N16 - Economic History - - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics; Industrial Structure; Growth; Fluctuations - - - Latin America; Caribbean

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