Before the data is collected, it is essential to set the parameters for the study. The first parameter is the selection of the locale and identification of the criteria for selecting the sample population. Since the study is dealing with the type of parenthood according to gender, the researcher decided that it is best to research an area where there is a large number of same-sex couples. This will ensure that each of the subgroups will be adequately represented. Thus, the sample population will be coming from Oakland, California. This is after researching that this location has the most significant number of same-sex marriage compared to the other states. In fact, according to a report published by the New York Times, Oakland, California has the 6th highest rate of same-sex male marriage (1.40%) and the highest percentage of same-sex female marriage (2.10%) in the US (Bui, 2016). To determine the sample population to participate in the study, exclusion criteria were also identified. One of the requirements to qualify for the study is to have a legitimate union of a same-sex couple living in Oakland, California. The couple should be raising a child together, cohabitating like a typical family. The homosexual couple and the child should be living together for at least three years as a family, where the couple functions as the child’s parents. Upon identification of the sample population, the researcher will distribute an invitation to randomly selected individuals through the person’s social media accounts like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. The message will contain a request to participate in a social experiment that will help determine the impact of the type of parenthood according to gender on children’s psychosocial development. The specific areas of the psychological well-being of the individual included cognitive, emotional and social welfare. The invitation will also include brief information on the goals and objectives of the study. The potential participants will be encouraged to read the information sheet and sign the consent form should the participant be amenable to the specifications of the study. The participants will be reminded that they are free to end their participation at any time during the study. Upon signing the consent form, each respondent will be requested to complete two kinds of standardized psychological tests-- The Adolescents’ Psychosocial Functioning Inventory (APFI), and the (b) The Strength and Difficulty Questionnaire (SDQ).
DATA ANALYSIS. To analyze the data, the researcher will use Pearson Correlation to establish the relationship between the dependent and independent variable. In this particular case, the independent variable type of parenthood according to gender, while the dependent variable will include the child’s psychosocial development in cognitive, emotional and social well-being. These variables will be tested and measured using Pearson Correlation. However, for the efficiency reasons the researcher will input the data in SPSS 20.00. The goal is to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the data that will be derived from the experiment. Pearson Correlation is used to establish the significant relationship between two variables. On the other hand, the researcher will also utilize the use of scattered plotting to determine the demographic profile of the sample population derived. To assess demographic information or the profile of the respondents, the research will also require the participants to complete a demographic profile sheet that will be submitted along with the two other tools to satisfy and outline the conclusion of the data.
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CONTRIBUTION IN THE FIELD. While there had been numerous studies initiated about the impact of same-sex parenthood on children, very limited studies had been initiated on the impact of this type of parenthood on the psychosocial wellbeing of the individuated. In addition, the limited information generated about same-sex marriage and parenthood. The goal of the study is to specifically identify how same-sex marriage and parenthood may have significant impact on the child’s emotional, cognitive and social aspects. Furthermore, several studies had already been conducted on the social and emotional impact of same-sex parenthood. However, very little, if there are any studies that had been previously initiated on the correlation of the intellectual aspect of psychosocial development and this type of gender-based parenthood. Numerous studies were designed utilizing qualitative analysis. Some of the studies had been initially conducted to assess whether children who grew up in an environment of same-sex couple are well-adjusted. Well-adjustment was gauged according to how these children would personally interact with other people in the community. If these children are able to adequately communicate with other people, exhibit confidence, and does not manifest homosexual tendencies, it is then perceived that these children are well-adjusted (Gartrell & Bos, 2018).
RESEARCH LIMITATION. As far as research limitation is concerned, the only limitation of the study is on the use of methodology. Considering that the research is not conducted using a face-to-face approach, the researcher has no way of observing the participant in terms of how they will react and the photo. The inability of the research to explore and identify the potential reaction of the participants, which can say a lot regarding how the respondent generally interact with others in group.
DISCUSSION. With the ratification of same-sex marriage in numerous states in the United States and several different countries around the world, so does the majority of the rights and privileges of these married couples. Along with the right to wed, same-sex couples were also extended the right to build a family and raise children. Critics of the same-sex marriage argue that the court failed to consider the ramification of this action to the youth and the underlying social norms. However, supporters of the same-sex marriage advocates say that over the past decades, parenthood has not been limited to heterosexual couples. The diversification of family forms had been around longer than there had even been talks about homosexual unions. An earlier study enumerated the different family forms that had been around for decades including single parenthood, cohabitating and stepparent families, and multi-partner fertility (Cenegy, Denney & Kimbro, 2017, p.198). The authors of this article also stated that same-sex couples who are raising children are not a new practice. The only difference is that more homosexual partners are more open about their relationships now and they are more outspoken. These very same characteristics of the LGTB community is perceived to be a threat to the psychosocial development of the child. This was confirmed by a study in 2015 suggesting that children raised by homosexual develop emotional struggles as a result of psychological distress and child peer stigmatization (Sullins, 2015). Still, we cannot exclude the possibility that children raised by same-sex couples, especially both women, are well-adjusted as per the result of a recent study that involved children raised by lesbians (Gartrell & Bos, 2018). Considering the conflicting results in academic studies, this paper would like to assess the psychosocial development of children raised in a nonconventional family structure or a same-sex parent household. The goal of this paper is to determine the impact of same-sex parenthood on a child’s psychosocial development mainly dealing with the child’s cognitive, emotional, and social wellbeing. Does the type of parenthood according to gender—male-male, female-female, significantly affect the child’s development? Is it the domestic environment that fosters a negative impact on the child.
References
Bui, Q. (2016). The Most Detailed Map of Gay Marriage in America. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2016/09/13/upshot/the-most-detailed-map-of-gay-marriage-in-america.html
Cenegy, L., Denney, J., & Kimbro, R. (2017). Family Diversity and Child Health: Where Do Same-Sex Couple Families Fit? Journal of Marriage and Family , 80 (1), 198-218. doi: 10.1111/jomf.12437
Gartrell, N., & Bos, H. (2018). The Children of Same-Sex Parents – Are They Well-Adjusted? Retrieved from https://pure.uva.nl/ws/files/25595644/The_Children_of_Same_Sex_Parents_Are_They_Well_adjusted_Pediatrics_for_Pare.pdf
Potter, D., & Potter, E. (2016). Psychosocial Well-Being in Children of Same-Sex Parents: A Longitudinal Analysis of Familial Transitions. Journal of Family Issues , 38 (16), 2303-2328. doi: 10.1177/0192513x16646338
Sullins, D. (2015). Emotional Problems among Children with Same-sex Parents: Difference by Definition. British Journal of Education, Society & Behavioral Science , 7 (2), 99-120. doi: 10.9734/bjesbs/2015/15823
