The Relationship between Masculine Honor Beliefs and Beliefs about Confederate Symbols

This research explored the relationships between beliefs about the Confederate flag’s symbolism, masculine honor beliefs (MHB), and attitudes toward removing Confederate symbols and memorials from public areas. Participants from across the United States (N = 206) responded to questionnaires assessing their MHB, beliefs that the Confederate flag symbolizes remembrance, rebellion, and racism, and reported their attitudes about Confederate symbols. Results demonstrated positive associations between beliefs that the Confederate flag stands for remembrance and rebellion, MHB, and support for the Confederate flag. Those who believe the flag symbolizes racism were most in favor of removing Confederate symbols from public spaces whereas those who believe the flag is a symbol of remembrance followed by those with higher levels of MHB most oppose their removal. Findings provide insights into how This research explored the relationships between beliefs about the Confederate flag’s symbolism, masculine honor beliefs (MHB), and attitudes toward removing Confederate symbols and memorials from public areas. Participants from across the United States (N = 206) responded to questionnaires assessing their MHB, beliefs that the Confederate flag symbolizes remembrance, rebellion, and racism, and reported their attitudes about Confederate symbols. Results demonstrated positive associations between beliefs that the Confederate flag stands for remembrance and rebellion, MHB, and support for the Confederate flag. Those who believe the flag symbolizes racism were most in favor of removing Confederate symbols from public spaces whereas those who believe the flag is a symbol of remembrance followed by those with higher levels of MHB most oppose their removal. Findings provide insights into how ideas about masculine honor influence perceptions of important social issues and may explain the acceptance of aggressive measures to protect the Confederate symbols.ideas about masculine honor influence perceptions of important social issues and may explain the acceptance of aggressive measures to protect the Confederate symbols.