Date Approved
11-30-2015
Date Posted
6-23-2016
Degree Type
Open Access Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts (MA)
Department or School
Sociology, Anthropology, and Criminology
Committee Member
Denise Reiling, Ph.D., Chair
Committee Member
Robert Orrange, Ph.D.
Abstract
Previous research on same-sex couples with children acknowledges that their parenting issues are similar to and yet different from their heterosexual counterparts. The literature does not examine, in an in-depth fashion, the challenges that same-sex parents face and how such challenges affect the lives of their families and relationships. This research examines the extent that same-sex parents reflect "traditional" family norms and behaviors, and how they socialize their children within the debate surrounding same-sex relationships. The author conducted and analyzed in-depth qualitative interviews from seven same-sex couples with children under the age of eighteen in the Southeastern Michigan area. It was found that there were a number of challenges same-sex parents encountered in the process of raising their children. This research suggests the need of a broader awareness of the challenges encountered by same-sex parents, and the manner that they meet these challenges in a world different from their parents.
Recommended Citation
Jendry, Allison, "Reflections on the way we were raised: Socialization within a same-sex family" (2015). Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations. 649.
https://commons.emich.edu/theses/649
Comments
Previous research on same-sex couples with children acknowledges that their parenting issues are similar to and yet different from their heterosexual counterparts. The literature does not examine, in an in-depth fashion, the challenges that same-sex parents face and how such challenges affect the lives of their families and relationships. This research examines the extent that same-sex parents reflect "traditional" family norms and behaviors, and how they socialize their children within the debate surrounding same-sex relationships. The author conducted and analyzed in-depth qualitative interviews from seven same-sex couples with children under the age of eighteen in the Southeastern Michigan area. It was found that there were a number of challenges same-sex parents encountered in the process of raising their children. This research suggests the need of a broader awareness of the challenges encountered by same-sex parents, and the manner that they meet these challenges in a world different from their parents.