1. Sociology of the Family
May 5, 2015

2. 726,600 same-sex households as of 2013
Adding Dimensions to the Dual-Earner Couple: Sexual Orientation and Race
726,600 same-sex households as of 2013
22% of lesbian households have children
84,000 African-Americans in same-sex households as of 2014 (men and women)
Higher unemployment among LGBT African-Americans than among all African-Americans

3. The Limits of Family Research
Most research on the division of labor in the household among lesbians is done with white, college-educated subjects
The egalitarian model that evolved out of the second wave feminist movement does not translate well for contemporary African-American families

4. Research Methods
Tapping into social networks of African-American lesbians (LGBT communities are often racially segregated)
Large family survey of 100 women living with a same-sex partner, at least one of whom is Black
32 of these women are part of lesbian step-families

5. Aspects of Household Life
Economic Independence
Management/organization of household tasks
Money management
Caregiving and Motherhood Identity

6. General Conclusions
Egalitarian model does not resonate with all types of families, even some same-sex families
Gender matters, even for African-American same-sex couples: the motherhood role is significant
Economic resources are not exchanged for less housework

7. Discussion Questions
What is your reaction to the importance of motherhood status over earning power in the management of household affairs?
What might happen with gay men, where one of them cannot claim the role of biological mother?