Purposeful parenting: An exploration into LGBTQ+ parental decision-making

Evans, Lowri Wyn ORCID: 0009-0009-0806-714X (2025). Purposeful parenting: An exploration into LGBTQ+ parental decision-making. University of Birmingham. Ph.D.

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Abstract

The increasing number of LGBTQ+ families in the UK, driven by more inclusive legal rights and access to reproductive technologies, offers a unique opportunity for research into how these families form and navigate parenthood. LGBTQ+ families tend to be more egalitarian and less bound by traditional gender roles compared to heterosexual families, presenting a unique demographic for research. Whilst there is substantial literature on lesbian and gay parent family formation, existing models are outdated, largely overlook the broader spectrum of parental decisions beyond the initial choice to start a family and there is limited research on LGBTQ+ parents beyond gay and lesbian identities. Furthermore, although research on heterosexual parents' work-home decision-making exists, similar studies focusing on how LGBTQ+ parents navigate parenthood through their work and family lives are lacking. Alongside what decisions these parents make, this thesis explores the factors that influence LGBTQ+ parents’ initial decision to start a family, through to decisions around how to start a family, and finally through to work-home decisions beyond family formation. Understanding both family formation and work-home decisions, and the factors that both enable and constrain them, can enhance our knowledge of the decisions LGBTQ+ parents make when navigating parenthood, and increase understanding around how organisations and government can account for this when creating policy.

Through semi-structured dyadic and follow-up individual interviews with 20 LGBTQ+ parents, this research delves into the pivotal family formation and work-home decisions made throughout their parenting journeys and the factors that influence them. An intersectional intracategorical approach is employed to explore the diverse lived experiences across various identities within the LGBTQ+ community. Additionally, this study adopts a Queer Theory lens to challenge hetero- and homonormative assumptions within both queer studies and the wider literature on parenting, reflecting on the impact this perspective has on both the research and the researcher.

This thesis makes several significant contributions to the existing body of knowledge on LGBTQ+ parental decision-making and the broader literature on work-home decisions. It updates existing models of lesbian mothers’ ART decision-making by incorporating modern technologies and legal challenges. It also introduces a comprehensive decision-making model for LGBTQ+ family formation, encompassing diverse identities and methods of family creation. By conceptualising parental leave as a temporary role exit decision, this research brings LGBTQ+ voices into the conversation on work-home decisions. Finally, the findings of this thesis deepen our understanding of the factors influencing family formation and work-home decisions among LGBTQ+ parents, extending these considerations to decisions beyond initial family formation and beyond the decisions of lesbian mothers and gay fathers. These insights have profound implications for policy and practice, providing actionable recommendations for industry professionals and policymakers to better support LGBTQ+ families.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Doctorates > Ph.D.)

Award Type:

Doctorates > Ph.D.

Supervisor(s):