Same-Sex Parents: Think of the Children
Same-sex relationships have become more commonplace in today’s society. In 2012, 110,000 US same-sex couples reported that they were raising children. That number has since grown exponentially and researchers have attempted to understand the implications of same-sex parenting for children. One aspect of same-sex parenting that may indirectly damage children is the stigma associated with same gender parents. Although the effects of this discrimination are prevalent in the children of same-sex couples, researchers have indicated that the overall wellbeing of these children may be more robust than that of children of mixed-gender parents. Another common concern with same-sex parenting is that children are inherently in danger due to the parents’ sexual orientation. Researchers have determined, however, that laws prohibiting same-sex parenting may be more damaging to children than same-sex parental relationships themselves. Further, researchers have found that the home environment of children with same-sex parents may be similar to or stronger than that of heterosexual parents. This may be due to researchers’ finding that same-sex parents may spend a more balanced amount of time with their children compared to heterosexual couples, which may contribute to healthy social development in children and foster parental satisfaction. Finally, researchers determined that when children of homosexual individuals perceived stronger bonding with their parents, they may reflect positively on their experiences. Presently, researchers in the field of same-sex parenting have found that children of same-gender couples face no more risks than those prevalent among children of heterosexual parents.
PSY 499, Capstone
Mary Ann Winter-Messiers
PFB 114
1:00 – 1:30 PM