Same‐Sex Relationships and Dissolution: The Connection Between Heteronormativity and Homonormativity

Abstract

A queer feminist lens is used to present a selected review of the demographic and descriptive literature related to how same-sex couples in the United States begin and dissolve relationships. We argue that despite research suggesting a uniformity of same-sex coupling that reflects a heteronormative nuclear family, there is actually great diversity in same-sex relationships. As legal recognition of same-sex couples increases from state to state, however, the dissolution of same-sex relationships has become as challenging as legally establishing them. This review explores several current cases representing the

The role of minority stressors in lesbian relationship commitment and persistence over time.

“…Same-sex couples also have fewer economic barriers as they are more likely to be dual-earner partnerships and are less likely to have pooled their finances (Lau, 2012). Finally, same-sex couples have historically had fewer legal barriers to dissolution as, until recently, civil unions and marriage were not legal for same-sex couples in the United States, and thus divorce or other legal processes were not necessary to dissolve the relationship (Lau, 2012; Peplau & Fingerhut, 2007; Van Eeden-Moorefield et al, 2011). In the current study, legal marriage was not widely available to couples at the times that data was collected.…”

Sexual Identity and Relationship Quality in Australia and the United Kingdom

“…Previous research suggests that sociodemographic characteristics, relationship interaction styles, and levels of social support contribute to relationship quality and stability equally in heterosexual and same-sex couples (Kurdek, 2004) and that pathways to union dissolution are similar across couple types (van Eeden-Moorefield, Martell, Williams, & Preston, 2011). However, minority stress theory (Meyer, 1995(Meyer, , 2003 proposes that individuals in same-sex couples face a number of challenges that may inhibit their ability to establish enduring high-quality relationships, including a lack of legal and social recognition and the experience of discrimination, prejudice, and harassment (Graham & Barnow, 2013;Mohr & Fassinger, 2006;Otis, Rostosky, Riggle, & Hamrin 2006).…”

(Homo)normativity's romance: happiness and indigestion in Andrew Haigh'sWeekend

“…Duggan has influenced scholarship in a range of fields, from history to psychology and social work. See, in addition to the texts I discuss in the article's body, Cervulle (2008), King (2009), Oswin (2007, Stryker (2008), Van Eeden-Moorefield et al (2011) and Rosenfeld (2009). 3.…”