Social Ties and the Influence of Public Policies on Individual Opinions: The Case of Same-Sex Marriage Laws

Abstract This paper evaluates if same-sex marriage (SSM) laws, approved in several European Union countries over the past decades, have contributed to favor gay-friendly opinions among people depending on their social interactions. We propose a dyadic model which individuals learn about norm conveyed by law through strong and weak ties. show that relative importance of these ties shaping individuals’ depends alignment between local norm. Using 2002–2016 Social Surveys, we test theoretical predictions with pseudo-panel dynamic difference-in-difference setting relying progressive adoption SSM countries. induce lower increase following when is aligned When clashes this norm, larger increase. (JEL J12, J18, K36, Z1).