Same-sex marriage and families-of-origin: Dialectics of legal recognition

• In Event: Scholar to Scholar I
  In Paper Session: Families-of-origin, GLBTQ individuals, and same-sex couples: Exploring stability and change

Abstract

Previous research examining Massachusetts same-sex couples who were recently married or engaged to be married suggests that legally recognized same-sex marriage may have a significant impact on how couples see themselves and how social network members perceive couples (Lannutti, 2007 a and b; 2008). When married or engaged LGBTQ participants were asked to reflect on the things that served as attractions and obstacles to getting married, 41% of the obstacles mentioned were challenges to the marriage presented by family-of-origin members, especially parents (Lannutti, 2008). This study further investigates the impact of same-sex marriage on the communication and relationships between same-sex couples and their families-of-origin. Forty-eight married or engaged same-sex couples participated in instant messenger interviews about their marriage and their families-of-origin. Data analysis indicates that same-sex couples are experienced dialectical tensions in their communication and relationships with their family-of-origin members triggered or escalated by legally recognized same-sex marriage.

Author

• Pamela Lannutti, Boston College