Cultural Norms and Economics Shape Lesbian Family Decisions
Lesbian couples navigate the path to parenthood by balancing cultural norms, economic considerations, and relational dynamics, a new thesis reveals. Age, relative income, donor relationships, and trust-building mechanisms significantly shape family decisions and conception practices.
A doctoral thesis presented by Allison Geerts at the Swedish Institute for Social Research provides new insights into how lesbian mothers-to-be in the Netherlands navigate the transition to parenthood.
Based on interviews with 48 expectant lesbian mothers and analysis of Dutch population register data, the thesis reveals that couples balance emotional, cultural, and economic factors when forming families.
"Even in a progressive country like the Netherlands, traditional norms around motherhood remain influential," says Allison Geerts. "Couples strategically use these norms to resolve potential conflicts. However, economic realities like wage differences and job stability also play a role shaping decisions."
Another finding concerns the relationship between couples and sperm donors. The research identifies a range of attitudes toward donor involvement, from minimal engagement to full co-parenting arrangements. Informal donor agreements, commonly used by lesbian couples, involve complex trust-building mechanisms. Formal contracts, social networks, and symbolic gestures are important for establishing trust in these arrangements.
The findings underline the need for broader understanding of diverse family structures and the intricate challenges lesbian couples face.
"Understanding the relational and economic work lesbian couples undertake enriches our view of modern families," Geerts emphasizes. "Policymakers and fertility clinics should recognize these dynamics, providing support that reflects the nuanced realities of lesbian family-building."
Key findings:
- Age norms shape decisions on who carries the child.
- Income relative to one’s parner influence birth motherhood choices.
- Diverse approaches exist regarding donor relationships, influenced by cultural and emotional expectations.
- Informal sperm donation involves intricate trust-building strategies.
Geerts' research gives new insights for social policy, fertility clinic practices, and future studies on family formation. It demonstrates how lesbian couples actively reshape traditional concepts of family and motherhood.
Read the thesis Building the Family, You Want: Lesbian Couples and Roads to Parenthood here.
For further information, contact Allison Geerts, allison.geerts@sofi.su.se.
Last updated: June 16, 2025
Source: Magnus Dahl