The child's home environment for lesbian vs. heterosexual mothers: a neglected area of research

J Homosex. 1981 Fall;7(1):49-56. doi: 10.1300/j082v07n01_05.

Abstract

Much research on the lesbian experience has focused on assessing differences between lesbian and heterosexual adults. Less effort has been expended in analyzing the home environment of the child in a lesbian household. This study compares samples of lesbian and heterosexual mothers in terms of the home setting provided and the caregiver role vs-à-vis children. Results reveal a less affluent socioeconomic setting for the children of lesbian mothers. A strong child-development orientation was found among lesbian mothers, undermining the stereotype of lesbians as aloof from children.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Child
  • Child Development*
  • Child Rearing
  • Child, Preschool
  • Female
  • Homosexuality*
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Middle Aged
  • Mother-Child Relations*
  • Problem Solving
  • Research
  • Social Environment*
  • Socioeconomic Factors