SOCIAL-PSYCHOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF HOMOPHOBIA IN A MODERN TRANSFORMATIONAL SOCIETY

Abstract

The theses describe the socio-psychological factors of homophobia as a specific form of discriminatory practice in the context of transformational changes in modern society.The historical and semantic origins of the term «homophobia» are substantiated, its main manifestations in interpersonal and social interaction are outlined, and the consequences of its impact on the psycho-emotional state and social integration of representatives of the LGBTQ+ community in society are revealed. Considerable attention is paid to the generalization of theoretical and empirical research on the formation of sexual orientation, which is considered as the result of the interaction of biological (genetic, hormonal) and sociocultural determinants. It is argued that homophobic attitudes are derived from persistent social stereotypes and have no scientific basis. It is stated that the chronic effect of stigmatization and marginalization leads to an increased level of psychological distress and social vulnerability of LGBTQ+ individuals. The feasibility and necessity of forming a tolerant public discourse on the principles of human rights as a condition for the democratic development of modern transformational Ukrainian society is substantiated.