Constructing Family among Same-Sex Couples - Annotated Bibliography Example

The authors feel this is not the case and hypothesize that due to a large number of societal, familial, and cultural constraints that ultimately define these relationships that key differentials can be found.

• As such, the ultimate aim of the study is to seek to measure if such a supposed and hypothesized differential exists.

Foundation for Project:
• The unfortunate fact of the matter is that prior research has almost invariably lumped ethnic groups together and spoken broadly and superficially regarding same-sex couples and the desire and determinants of conception. This has often been done due to the belief by the researchers and authors that the subjects under consideration were “gay first’ and “ethnic second”. Such a flawed construct was immediately noted and thrown out for purposes of this particular research as the issue was approached based upon the determinants that ultimately inform it rather than any preconceptions regarding what hierarchy of information is placed upon the group or sexual orientation in question.

• As with previous studies, the authors noted that it was important to differentiate the fact that there are subtle subgroup differences in the labeling of “Hispanic” vs. “Latino”.

Methods:
• Data was gathered from 15 queer Latinos and 15 queer whites
• All respondents were required to be in what was considered committed relationships; i.e. those relationships that have been steady and committed for a period of more than 1 year’s time.
• Desire to conceive and attitudes towards parenthood were measured by sampling and interview questions on the target group

Findings:
• It was noted that cultural influences, as expected accounted for a large percentage increase between Latinos as compared to whites with regards to the overall acceptance of same-sex couples conceiving.
• It was further noted that familial influences among white and Latino respondents differed as well with regards to the level of acceptance that these familial constraints placed.

Conclusions and Implications:
• The model supports the fact that a greater level of research needs to be performed in this area to continue to define and illuminate the level of determinants that ultimately exist between ethnic groups in relation to conception and parenthood.

• It should be further noted that the geographic scope of the analysis could have stood to be improved as it only spoke to but a few specific regions and further studies with a broader scope could help to benefit a more full and complete understanding. Read More