New Dissertation Explores Lesbian Couples' Transition to Parenthood
How do norms regarding gender equality, family, and parenthood influence lesbian couples' transition to becoming mothers? A new doctoral dissertation from Stockholm University by sociologist Madeleine Eriksson Kirsch examines how lesbian couples in Sweden experience the transition to motherhood.
The study is based on interviews with 40 women in lesbian couples, both before and after they became mothers. The findings indicate that the women often perceive themselves as automatically equal because they are two women. This perception presents both limitations and opportunities.
"Initially, many women felt that the absence of established norms and roles for lesbian families provided freedom. However, after the birth of their child, this could also feel restrictive, as there was a lack of clear role models and scripts for guidance," says Madeleine Eriksson Kirsch.
The study reveals that lesbian couples often express optimism about being two mothers, partly based on cultural notions of absent fathers and present mothers. At the same time, the absence of social scripts and clear role models can lead to unexpected challenges and situations that are difficult for the couple to navigate.
Unique challenges
The dissertation also highlights how couples' perceptions of equality and parenthood evolve over time, from pregnancy to the first years of parenting.
"It's important to acknowledge that lesbian families face unique challenges – not despite, but perhaps precisely because of Sweden's strong ideals of gender equality. These ideals, originally formed around heterosexual couples, also influence how lesbian couples experience and organize their parenting," Eriksson Kirsch explains.
Swedish gender equality ideals emphasize a strong notion of similarity, as previous research has shown – men and women are expected to be more alike and perform similar roles to achieve equality. Eriksson Kirsch points out that this ideal significantly influences lesbian couples, referencing one sub-study indicating that most couples planned for both women to carry (at least) one child each.
"During interviews, many women highlighted that this would lead to greater similarity between them. Understanding why this was perceived as positive and desirable requires contextualizing it within the discourse on equality and the notion that similarity is foundational for achieving gender equality."
Contact
Madeleine Eriksson Kirsch, Swedish Institute for Social Research, Stockholm University. madeleine.eriksson@sofi.su.se
About the dissertation
The dissertation is based on qualitative, in-depth interviews. A total of 40 women—both partners in 20 lesbian couples—were interviewed at two points in time: initially before childbirth and again when the child was between two and four years old. The interviews explored decision-making about childbirth, planning parental leave, and evolving perceptions of equality and motherhood.
Last updated: June 30, 2025
Source: Magnus Dahl