Classification of Same-Sex Parent Families: Reexamining Family Instability and Family Structure Hypotheses using ECLS-K

• In Event: 2348 - LGBTQ Families and Relationships

Abstract

Recent studies have used the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study (ECLS-K) to argue family instability--rather than family structure--explains differences in well-being outcomes for children of same-sex vs. different-sex parents. However, I believe the classification of same-sex parent families in the ECLS-K has been too broad and should be more restrictive. Using two alternative classification schemes, I test how more restrictive definitions of same-sex parents change these results. I discuss how each classification scheme does or does not support family structure and family instability hypotheses, if ECLS-K can be used to study same-sex parent families, and how alternative classifications of same-sex couples may alter results.

Author

• Jane Lankes