Sex Role Identity and Jealousy as Correlates of Abusive Behavior in Lesbian Relationships

Abstract

This article presents the findings of a study from a cross-sectional sample of 105 lesbians taken from a non-clinical setting to investigate to what extent they exhibited abusive behavior toward an intimate female partner and whether the abuse was physical, psychological, or both. This study examined whether an association exists between a lesbian's sex role identity, particularly the dimension of femininity, and her abusive behavior. The hypothesis that jealousy in the relationship would be positively associated with reported incidences of abusive behavior was also examined. The results show that when abuse is broadly defined a sizable minority report high incidences of overall abuse and psychological abuse at some time during their current relationship. The most salient finding of this study was the strong evidence of a relationship between jealousy and abusive behavior. The implications of these findings underscore the need for continued and enhanced delivery of services. Other implications of this study point toward consciousness-raising to the larger community about institutionalized and individual homophobia and heterosexism.     

Deconstructing 'Feminist Linguistics'

Victoria L. Bergvall, Janet M. Bing and Alice F. Freed (eds.). Rethinking Language and Gender Research: Theory and Practice .
Jennifer Coates. Women Talk: Conversation between Women Friends .
Mary Crawford. Talking Difference: On Gender and Language .
Kira Hall and Mary Bucholtz (eds.). Gender Articulated: Language and the Socially Constructed Self .
Sally Johnson and Ulrike Hanna Meinhof (eds.). Language and Masculinity .     

A Child Wanted by Two,Conceived by Several: Lesbian-Parent Families Negotiating Procreation with a Known Donor

This article presents procreation agreement negotiations and the role played by men taking part as known donors in the parental project of lesbian mothers in the province of Quebec, Canada. Thirty-six individuals were interviewed: 10 female couples, 11 donors, and 5 of the donors’ life partners. The results show that the donors’ contribution takes place within a deliberative process during which the adults involved discuss 5 elements, namely (a) the procreation method selected, (b) the issue of future donations, (c) the forms of address and the role of the donor in the life of the children issuing from his donations, (d) the possible involvement of the donor's loved ones in the life of the lesbian-parent family, and (e) responses to various scenarios that might arise in the future. The negotiation also addresses concerns that those involved might have regarding the children's needs, resulting in a complex web of interpersonal relationships. Our findings show that dialogue is the key unifying factor, ensuring that everyone is in agreement and that the donor's role with respect to the child is in line with the expectations of everyone involved.     

Evaluating the Phobias,Attitudes, and Cultural Competence of Master of Social Work Students Toward the LGBT Populations

Abstract

Background. Evidence suggests there is bias toward lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) persons by social workers; unfortunately, little research has been conducted to examine Master of Social Work (MSW) students' views toward these populations. The purpose of this study was to develop an assessment scale to evaluate the attitudes, phobias, and cultural competence of MSW students toward the LGBT populations.

Methods. An assessment scale was developed and administered to MSW students (n = 173) at a Midwestern American university.

Results. The majority of MSW students reported low phobia and a positive attitude toward the LGBT populations, yet participants reported having a low level of cultural competence in serving LGBT clients.

Conclusion. More education and training is needed for MSW students to effectively serve the LGBT populations.     

女性书写的独特风景——双镯式同性爱

在男权的文学话语中,女性形象都是男性之笔按照自己为女性勾画的蓝图描绘的.女性同性爱的书写从刻意的回避到有意识的书写,充分表明了女性为了摆脱"物"的地位所作的努力.用这种极端的写作方式,来证明女性性自由时代来临了,女性不在是依附于男性的"物",而是可以独立于男性之外的"人".     

Relationship satisfaction in lesbian couples: Review,methodological critique,and research agenda

ABSTRACT

There has been increased interest in and attention to understanding the characteristics associated with relationship satisfaction among same-sex couples. This review examines the individual, couple, and external factors associated with relationship satisfaction among contemporary lesbian couples, highlighting domains such as internalized homophobia, personality, communication, conflict, sex, stress, and social support. I discuss methodological concerns and future directions to advance research in this area.     

Factors associated with relationship dissolution and post-dissolution adjustment among lesbian adoptive couples

ABSTRACT

Same-sex adoptive couples are increasingly visible, yet few studies have addressed relationship stability and dissolution among these couples. In this study, using a theoretical framework based on Investment Models and Vulnerability-Stress-Adaptation Theory, factors associated with dissolution and post-dissolution adjustment among 27 lesbian adoptive couples were examined across two points. At Wave 1, all 27 couples were together; children were on average 3 years old. Results revealed that nearly one third broke up over 5 years (between Waves 1 and 2). Factors related to shorter relationship length and undermining coparenting at Wave 1 distinguished women who later broke up versus stayed together. Worse mental health at Wave 2 characterized women in dissolved rather than sustained relationships, even with comparable individual adjustment at Wave 1. Weaker parenting alliance and greater dissatisfaction with childcare divisions were reported by women no longer with their partners at Wave 2 as compared with those in enduring partnerships. This research has implications for understanding lesbian relationship dynamics and associations with individual adjustment.     

Breaking up is hard to do: Women's experience of dissolving their same-sex relationship

ABSTRACT

While prior research has compared same-sex to heterosexual relationships, very little attention has been paid to the unique experiences of women dissolving same-sex relationships, especially in the context of shifting legal and social policies. The current study examined the experience of 20 women who dissolved their same-sex relationship between 2002 and 2014. Participants were drawn from a longitudinal sample of same-sex and heterosexual couples and were interviewed using a semi-structured protocol. Interviews focused on three primary research questions: reasons for dissolution, emotional reactions, and role of legal status. While reasons for dissolution largely mirrored literature on women in heterosexual relationships, emotional reactions and the role of legal status were both influenced by sexual minority-specific factors related to minority stress and the recent societal changes pertaining to legal relationship recognition. Results are interpreted in a framework of minority stress and the ongoing legacy of institutional discrimination experienced by women in same-sex relationships.