Date of Award
Spring 5-4-1993
Document Type
Open Access Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Social Work (MSW)
Department
Social Work
Second Advisor
Rosemary Link
Abstract
The study explored the psych+social issues of five lesbian-identified couples as they decided to parent. 'What are the emotional needs, from their perspectives, of lesbian couples as they experience the process of choosing motherhood? The central research question provided descriptive data of the women's experiences from their support networks: their partners, families-of-origin or self-defined families, the lesbian community, their friendship group, professional clinicians, and religious institutions. A common theme emerging within these areas was the need for validation of the women's choice to parent and acknowledgement of this family creation. This demands confronting myths that lesbians should not have children. From a system's perspective, the assumption cannot be made that encouragement and validation for lesbian parenting is accessible from traditional support networks. A discussion of social work practice is included.
Identifier
SC 11.MSW.1993.Nohner.JA
Recommended Citation
Nohner, Julie A., "Optional Motherhood: A Description of Psycho-Social Issues Within the Lesbian Parenting Process" (1993). Theses and Graduate Projects. 696.
https://idun.augsburg.edu/etd/696