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News

Is Caring About the Environment Gay? Some Bros Think So, Study Says

A study says gender stereotypes are more powerful than you might've thought.

Taylor Henderson

Taylor Henderson is a PRIDE.com contributor. This proud Texas Bama studied Media Production/Studies and Sociology at The University of Texas at Austin, where he developed his passions for pop culture, writing, and videography. He's absolutely obsessed with Beyoncé, mangoes, and cheesy YA novels that allow him to vicariously experience the teen years he spent in the closet. He's also writing one!

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Taylor Henderson

cornbreadsays

August 05 2019 7:29 PM EST

December 09 2022 9:12 AM EST

A new study from Penn State University shows that men may be opting out of recycling or using reusable shopping bags to avoid looking feminine or gay.

You read that right, and we're just as confused as you? How can caring about the environment be gay?

Well according to researchers, environmentalism is often seen as feminine because "it fits in with women's traditional role as caregivers."

The 960 men and women studied were "more likely to question a man's sexual orientation if he engaged in 'feminine' pro-environmental behaviors, such as using reusable shopping bags. They were also more likely to question a woman's sexual orientation if she engaged in 'masculine' pro-environmental behaviors, such as caulking windows." Men were also more likely to avoid women interested in said "masculine" skills.

"If being seen as heterosexual is important to a person, that person may prioritize gender-conforming over gender-nonconforming pro-environmental behaviors in anticipation of how others might see them," said Professor of Psychology Janet K. Swim.

"Behaviors don’t just help us accomplish something concrete, they also signal something about who we are. Line drying clothes or keeping tires at proper pressures may signal that we care about the environment, but if those behaviors are seen as gendered, they may signal other things, as well."