Mothering and motherhood are the subjects of a rapidly expanding body of literature. Considered in this decade review are two predominant streams in this work. One is the theorizing of mothering and motherhood and the other is the empirical study of the mothering experience. Conceptual developments have been propelled particularly by feminist scholarship, including the increasing attention to race and ethnic diversity and practices. The conceptualizations of the ideology of intensive mothering and of maternal practice are among the significant contributions. Study of mothering has focused attention on a wide array of specific topics and relationships among variables, including issues of maternal well-being, maternal satisfaction and distress, and employment.

Conceiving and Investigating Motherhood: The Decade's Scholarship

Narrative therapy: The social construction of preferred realities.

Lesbian, gay, and bisexual youngsters, aged 14-21 and living at home, were studied for patterns of disclosure of sexual orientation to families. Three-quarters had told at least one parent, more often the mother than the father. Those who had disclosed were generally more open about their sexual orientation than those who had not, and few of the nondisclosed expected parental acceptance. Those who had disclosed reported verbal and physical abuse by family members, and acknowledged more suicidality than those who had not "come out" to their families. Language: en

Lesbian, gay, and bisexual youth and their families: disclosure of sexual orientation and its consequences

Guidelines for psychological practice with lesbian, gay, and bisexual clients

The family lives of lesbian and gay people have been a source of controversy during the past decade. Despite prejudice and discrimination, lesbians and gay men have often succeeded in creating and sustaining family relationships. Research on same-gender couple relationships, parent-child relationships, and other family relationships is reviewed here. In general, the picture of lesbian and gay relationships emerging from this body of work is one of positive adjustment, even in the face of stressful conditions. Research is also beginning to address questions about individual differences among the family relationships of lesbians and gay men. Future work in this area has the potential to affect lesbian and gay lives, influence developmental and family theory, and inform public policies in the decade ahead.

Family relationships of lesbians and gay men.

Family-centered social work practice

Lesbian and gay families.

Theorizing Culture: Narrative Ideas and Practice Principles

The postmodern movement has had a dramatic influence on the family therapy field and on social work, forcing a reexamination of long-held assumptions about assessment and intervention. The author e...

Joan Laird

Papers

Family-centered social work practice

Lesbian and gay families.

Theorizing Culture: Narrative Ideas and Practice Principles

Family-Centered Practice in the Postmodern Era:

Invisible ties: Lesbians and their families of origin.