Research on children with LGBTQ parents: challenges and a way forward

Deni Mazrekaj, Silvia Palmaccio, Kristof De Witte

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterAcademic

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Abstract

Parenting presents unique challenges for all parents regardless of gender or sexual identity. In addition to the challenges experienced by all parents, LGBTQ parents experience unique stressors from navigating heteronormative societies. In this chapter, we consider whether these stressors translate to outcomes of children with LGBTQ parents. We observe that most methodologically rigorous studies focused on children with same-sex parents find that these children perform at least as well as children with different-sex parents on educational and (mental) health outcomes. The research on bisexual, transgender, and non-binary parents is still in its infancy, and is largely characterized by convenience samples. From a theoretical perspective, most studies do not ground the hypotheses, methods, and interpretation of the results in an explicit theoretical framework. We provide recommendations for future research and provide suggestions on how LGBTQ parenting research can contribute to creating an environment where children with LGBTQ parents can thrive.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationResearch Handbook on the Sociology of Gender
EditorsGayle Kaufman, Michael Stambolis-Ruhstorfer, Steven Roberts, Brittany Ralph
PublisherEdward Elgar Publishing
Chapter19
Pages239-252
Number of pages14
ISBN (Electronic)9781802206692
ISBN (Print)9781802206685
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 2024

Keywords

  • Children
  • Family type
  • Gender
  • LGBTQ parents
  • Sexuality

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