Sexual orientation, work values, pay, and preference for public and nonprofit employment: Evidence from Canadian postsecondary students

What is it about?

A survey of Canadian college students finds that: 1. GLBTQs are more likely than heterosexuals to prefer public and nonprofit sector employment. 2. GLBTQ career goals and work values predict stronger desire for public and nonprofit sector jobs than heterosexuals. 3. GLBTQs expect to pay a smaller penalty for working in the public and nonprofit sectors.

Featured Image

Why is it important?

In the U.S., partnered lesbians and gay men are strongly over-represented in the nonprofit sector, but partnered gay men are under-represented in the federal service. Stronger public service motivation could explain the former but not the latter, but we haven't had direct evidence that LGBTQs are any more altruistic than others. This survey of our nearest neighbor is suggestive.