Workplace Experiences of Lesbian and Gay Parents Introduction
Method
• There are many definitions of what a family looks like now, but there can be societal consequences for those who deviate from prescribed gender roles (Morgenroth &
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Completed a qualitative survey through snowball sampling N=78 Survey Structure: ○ 8 open-ended questions ○ 3 multiple choice ○ 8 demographic questions Data Analysis: 2 rounds of coding
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Heilman, 2017).
• Society views women through a binary lens of either being “work or family oriented” (Garey, 1999, p. 6).
• Similarly, stay-at-home fathers are not seen as adequate caregivers (Fischer & Anderson, 2011).
• These challenges are exacerbated for lesbian mothers and gay fathers. • In lesbian families where one mother is the biological parent of the child, the other mother is assumed to be unable to connect with the child, whereas heterosexual adoptive parents’ ability to bond with their children is seldom questioned (Dalton & Bielby, 2000).
• 1. Organizational policies, benefits available.
2. Method of conception/childbirth
Results ●
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Purpose of the study Exploratory study to gather insight from LG parents about their work experiences specifically regarding: - Organizational & Social support -Whether the support was perceived differently from heterosexual peers
Gender roles did have an impact on experience of gay and lesbian parents. Gender role issues extended into the legitimacy of parenthood. Issues more with the method of childbirth versus sexual orientation. LGBTQ parents face obstacles that heterosexual parents do not have to endure
3. Support from organization & co-workers
Discussion: ● ●
Gender Roles do impact the experience of LG families not much of a difference between organizational and social support received compared to hetersexual peers. Method of childbirth (carrying a baby) matters.
Anmol Sachdeva, MA Nicholas P. Salter, PhD Janine Sosna, BA Caitlin M. Lapine, PhD Briana Squires, BA