Youth's motivations for using homophobic and misogynistic language

A diverse group of adolescents (N = 41) from a large city in the Midwestern United States participated in focus groups about misogynistic and homophobic language. Our qualitative analysis yielded two major themes. First, participants discussed this language as a way to regulate peers' conformity to norms related to gender and sexuality. Second, participants spoke about the importance of the relationship between individuals using this language in determining different intentions. Understanding young people's perceptions of these types of interactions and the intentions behind them will allow us to more effectively reduce young peoples' use of misogynistic and homophobic language in schools.