The research says
There is a significant body of rigorous and methodologically sound research comparing outcomes for children raised in same-sex and opposite-sex parented families. The majority of this research conducted in Australia and overseas has consistently found that children raised in same-sex parented families do at least as well as children in opposite-sex parented families in all significant areas.
Specifically, the research tells us:
About children
- There is no difference between the two groups in intelligence and both groups achieve equal levels of academic and physical competence as measured by teachers.
- 'Gender role behaviour' is the same, i.e. children tend to play gender-typical games, and adult offspring have no more of what researchers refer to as 'gender identity' problems.
- Children's emotional function is no different, either as children or adults. In particular, adult offspring show no greater incidence of stress, anxiety or depression.
- There is no difference in psychological or behavioural development as measured by parental and teacher report using validated behavioural checklists.
- Children raised by same-sex parents are no more likely to identify as lesbian or gay in adulthood than children raised by opposite sex parents.
About lesbian mothers
- Lesbian couples tend to spend longer planning families and considering decisions about use of donors, and lesbian mothers are equally as nurturing as heterosexual mothers.
- Many lesbian parents encourage supportive relationships with grandparents and other extended family and deliberately include men.
- Lesbian mothers have no higher risk of self-esteem problems, or mental health problems, including stress, anxiety, depression, than heterosexual mothers.
- The majority of partners of the birth mother take on a parenting role, many assuming equal responsibility.
- Same-sex parents are almost universally open and honest with their children about the way they were conceived which ensures they have access to important information about their biological background.
- Many lesbian couples share parenting tasks in a flexible, supportive and egalitarian way which has a positive affect on outcomes for children.
About gay fathers
There is less research on outcomes for children raised by gay men, but what there is tells us:
- There is no difference in emotional, psychological and behavioural development or in social activities, problem solving ability and levels of autonomy to that of children raised by opposite-sex parents.
- The range of sexual orientation is no different to that of children in opposite-sex parented families.
- Parenting roles of gay fathers appear to encompass the full range and, like lesbian parents, gay fathers tend to be more egalitarian in the division of roles and responsibilities that opposite sex parents.
- In taking on primary care and responsibility for their children, gay fathers are helping to redefine fatherhood in Australia. Despite social pressures for greater involvement of fathers generally, gay fathers face negative social reactions to being fathers.
About the broader community
- Children of same-sex parented families often form positive relationships with their peers and with extended family members. In many cases school and the broader community is accepting of the same-sex family structure.
- In general, children of same-sex parents are no more stigmatised than other children however, there is evidence to suggest some children experience peer group hostility.
- A number of studies have reported bullying of children of same-sex parents. Parents report a range of methods used by families to deal with bullying and overcome a homophobic environment.
- Despite a significant level of bullying, children in same-sex families develop effective peer relationships and have the same levels of emotional functioning.
- Children raised in same-sex families tend to demonstrate a greater awareness and acceptance of difference generally. Teachers report these children may be more tolerant, broad-minded and empathetic.
Raising children without a father
- It is often argued that children raised in fatherless families do less well than children raised in families where there is a mother and a father, and that the absence of fathers in children's lives is at the root of various social problems including child poverty, teenage pregnancy and poor school performance.
- The studies from which these conclusions arise are about separated opposite-sex families with associated conflict, economic disadvantage and, at times, violence. None of this applies to intact same-sex families.
- In general, research in the field of families studies has found that family functioning, (what goes on within a family), rather than family structure (the number and sex of the parents) is the most important factor influencing outcomes for children. Family processes that are good for children include: family cohesion, minimal conflict, good quality relationships between parents, consistent parenting styles and positive inter-generational family relationships. Clearly none of this excludes a lesbian or gay man being a good parent.
Based on the Victorian Law Reform Commission Occasional Paper Outcomes for children born of Assisted Reproductive Technologies in a Diverse Range of Families, written by Dr Ruth McNair.
REFERENCES
- McNair 2004: Outcomes for children born of ART in a diverse range of families, Victorian Law Reform Commission Occasional Paper.
- Ibid
- Anderson et al: 23 studies from 1978 to 2000, systematic review. Hunfield et al 2001: eight studies from 1978 to 2000, systematic review. Allen and Burrell 1996: 18 studies, meta-analysis. Stacey and Biblarz 2001: 21 studies from 1981 to 1998. Millbank 2003: both quantitative and qualitative studies, including an Australian focus.
- Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2002; Wise, 2003; Sawyer et al , 2000; Amato, 1993; Golombok, 2000; Golombok, Tasker & Murray, 1997; Silburn et al, 1996; Dunlop & Burns, 1989; Vanfraussen et al, 2001; Mercier & Harold, 2003; Fulcher et al 2002.
Recent studies
"Different Families - The experiences of children with lesbian and gay parents" July 2010
Stonewall in the UK have released the following report based on interviews conducted by the University of Cambridge with 80 children of lesbian and gay parents: http://www.stonewall.org.uk/media/current_releases/3966.asp?dm_i=FBX,6WG1,21ZBQN,H69W,
"It's OK, my father's gay" - Study of Rainbow Families in Germany June 2010
Roughly 7,300 children and youth in Germany live in households with two mothers or two fathers. As part of the first study on daily life in these rainbow families, 700 parents and children were surveyed from Germany's same-sex domestic partnerships. With regard to the quality of the relationships with both parents and their psychological adjustments, children and adolescents in rainbow families differ little from ones who grow up in other family situations. Link: http://www.goethe.de/ges/mol/tre/pan/en5215866.htm
Two mums better than dad (News Report - The Age) Jun 2010
The Age (14 June 2010) reports on a new study published in the online edition of the journal Pediatrics on June 7, in which researchers found children born to and raised by lesbian couples were better off socially, academically and more competent than their peers. The study followed 154 pregnant lesbians between 1986-92 to create the world's "largest, longest running, prospective, longitudinal study of same-sex-parented families." Link: http://www.theage.com.au/lifestyle/wellbeing/two-mums-better-than-dad-20100614-y7h6.html
Gay Fathers Day: Two-Dad Families Doing Well in Transition to Parenthood (News report) Jun 2010
Newswise reports on the first study ever to examine the experiences of gay male partners who became fathers via surrogacy shows that they are more likely than heterosexual fathers to scale back their careers in order to care for their children. Also, these fathers report that their self-esteem and their closeness with their extended families increases after becoming parents. The research was undertaken by psychology researchers from the Rockway Institute in the USA. See the report in Newswise:
http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/565573/?sc=dwhr;xy=5013363
