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Sameness and Difference in Research on Lesbian Parenting

Clarke, Victoria

Authors

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Dr Victoria Clarke Victoria.Clarke@uwe.ac.uk
Associate Professor in Qualitative & Critical Psychology



Abstract

Most psychological, social science and feminist work on lesbian parenting searches for similarities and differences between lesbian and heterosexual parents. Using a feminist constructionist approach, I identify four dimensions of difference that inform research and theorizing on lesbian parenting. These construct lesbian parenting as (i) no different from heterosexual parenting; (ii) different from heterosexual parenting and deviant; (iii) different from heterosexual parenting and transformative; and (iv) different from heterosexual parenting only because of oppression. I consider why lesbian parenting is constructed in these ways, by and for whom and for what purposes. I also assess the political costs and benefits of sameness and difference and ask whether psychologists, social scientists and feminists should abandon their search for similarities and differences in favour of a more radical research agenda. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Citation

Clarke, V. (2002). Sameness and Difference in Research on Lesbian Parenting. Journal of Community and Applied Social Psychology, 12(3), 210-222. https://doi.org/10.1002/casp.673

Journal Article Type Article
Publication Date May 1, 2002
Journal Journal of Community and Applied Social Psychology
Print ISSN 1052-9284
Publisher Wiley
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 12
Issue 3
Pages 210-222
DOI https://doi.org/10.1002/casp.673
Keywords constructionism, difference, feminism, lesbian and gay psychology, lesbian parenting
sameness
Public URL https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/1078090
Publisher URL http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/casp.673