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Do Laws Shape Attitudes? Evidence from Same-Sex Relationship Recognition Policies in Europe

Author

Listed:
  • Cevat G. Aksoy
  • Christopher S. Carpenter
  • Ralph de Haas
  • Kevin Tran
Abstract
Understanding whether laws shape or simply reflect citizens’ attitudes is important but empirically difficult. We provide new evidence on this question by studying the relationship between legal same-sex relationship recognition policies (SSRRPs) and attitudes towards sexual minorities in Europe. Using data from the European Social Surveys covering 2002-2016 and exploiting variation in the timing of SSRRPs across countries, we show that legal relationship recognition is associated with a statistically significant increase in favourable attitudes towards sexual minorities. These effects are widespread across demographic groups, emerge only after the policies are adopted, and are not observed for views on other social issues. Our results suggest that laws can exert a powerful influence on societal attitudes.

Suggested Citation

  • Cevat G. Aksoy & Christopher S. Carpenter & Ralph de Haas & Kevin Tran, 2018. "Do Laws Shape Attitudes? Evidence from Same-Sex Relationship Recognition Policies in Europe," Discussion Papers of DIW Berlin 1772, DIW Berlin, German Institute for Economic Research.
    • Handle: RePEc:diw:diwwpp:dp1772
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Public opinion; same-sex relationship recognition policies; LGBT attitudes;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • F5 - International Economics - - International Relations, National Security, and International Political Economy
    • K36 - Law and Economics - - Other Substantive Areas of Law - - - Family and Personal Law

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