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Qualitative Research on LGBT-Parent Families

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LGBT-Parent Families

Abstract

This chapter brings together some of the analytical foci that characterize the fields of family studies and sexuality studies, situating “family sexuality” at the conceptual heart of the equation. It provides both a methodological introduction and practical guidance to qualitative methods and demonstrates how a qualitative mixed methods (QMM) approach can open up new insights on intergenerational relationships and the experience and meanings of parenthood and childhood in LGBT-parent families. It introduces traditional qualitative research methods such as the semi-structured interview and new approaches such as the psychosocial biographical narrative interview and participatory techniques involving diaries and visual methods. I show how visual methods are particularly useful in eliciting data on the intersecting dimensions of family relationships, mapping the emotional geography of households, and enabling children to equally participate in family research. Using empirical data to illustrate different methods, this chapter demonstrates the analytical rewards that are offered through creativity in research design and discusses how such rich and dynamic data can be brought together in analysis.

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Notes

  1. 1.

    Behind Closed Doors was an ESRC-funded project (RES-000-22-0854), completed in 2004–2005.

  2. 2.

    Perverting Motherhood? Sexuality and Lesbian Motherhood was ESRC-funded doctoral research completed in 1999–2000.

    Both studies focused recruitment strategies on parents who were not engaged in lesbian community activity. The content and scope of these projects were discussed in full with parents and children, using age-appropriate description. Children’s age and maturity are important factors in making sense of family practices. I have therefore included the age of children when citing extracts from their data (for example, Reece, 10). Pseudonyms are used for all participants.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Social Policy and Criminology, The Open University, Walton Hall, Milton Keynes, 7 6AA, UK

    Jacqui Gabb

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  1. Jacqui Gabb
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Correspondence to Jacqui Gabb .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. , Department of Psychology, Clark University, 950 Main Street, Worcester, 01610, Massachusetts, USA

    Abbie E. Goldberg

  2. , Department of Human Development, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State, 401C Wallace Hall (0416), Blacksburg, 24061, Virginia, USA

    Katherine R. Allen

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Gabb, J. (2013). Qualitative Research on LGBT-Parent Families. In: Goldberg, A., Allen, K. (eds) LGBT-Parent Families. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-4556-2_21

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