Gay Parenting Essay
Is Gay Parenting Indeed Harmful To Kids?
Research and debate related to the effects of gay parenting on children began over three decades ago, and continues with vigor as the face of traditional family structures continue to change. Interviews and surveys have focused on children’s school performance, social development, and psychological well-being. Studies of older children and adults include the examination of gender identity issues, substance abuse, and sexual dysfunction; problems that many believe are an inevitable result of being raised by a gay parent. Universally, personal and public opinions range throughout the spectrum.
According to a 2005 APA summary of research findings, the major concerns among the courts regarding children raised by one or two gay parents are sexual identity, personal development, and social relationships. The review of findings concluded that not a single study has found children of gay or lesbian parents to be disadvantaged in any significant respect relative to heterosexual parents (Patterson 15).
Among the four “outlier” studies, one is strongly supported by conservatives, including the Family Research Council, a Washington, DC public policy ministry. The FRC has stated that the 2012 New Family Structures Study undertaken by Mark Regnerus deserves to be the “gold standard” in the field (Sprigg 2). The FRC interprets the Regnerus study as being statistically significant, reporting a host of negative outcomes for children of a gay parent. These outcomes include higher rates of depression, utilization of public assistance, infidelity, unemployment, and sexual abuse (Sprigg 3). Some believe that these findings have implications for child custody, adoption, and same-sex marriage. But an APA (2005) brief correctly noted that research on children raised by one or more gay parents occurs against a backdrop of discrimination (Amato 773).
In conclusion, gay parenting is a vital social issue. Researchers must continue to eliminate any personal or political bias present in methodology and interpretation.
Works Cited
1. Patterson, Charlotte. “Summary of Research Findings”. American Psychological Association. Lesbian and Gay Parenting, pp. 5-22, 2005.
2. Sprigg, Peter. “New Study on Homosexual Parents Tops All Previous Research”. Family Research Council Issue Brief IF12F08, June 2012.
3. Amato, Paul. “The Well-Being of Children with Gay and Lesbian Parents”. Social Science Research 41, pp. 771-774, 2012.
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