Abstract:
The purpose of this study was twofold: firstly to explore the parenting experiences of
lesbian parents rearing children and secondly with a specific focus on parenting styles that
may be present within lesbian families. The conceptual framework for this study was the
ecosystemic model of Urie Bronfenbrenner. During the research I followed a qualitative
approach, secured in an interpretative paradigm. A case study research design was utilised
to gain a better, richer and deeper understanding. Data collection involved using semi
structured questionnaires, parenting style worksheets and vignettes. Participant selection
was a combination between snowball and non-probability sampling methods, including four
lesbian families with children between the ages of four and twelve years. Data analysis
consisted of identifying themes and subthemes. Several main themes emerged subsequent
to the thematic data analysis. The first theme was the parenting styles within lesbian
families namely; warm, involved and tolerant parenting style as the main styles. The second
theme was family rules, values and norms. The third theme was discipline strategies that
were used within the lesbian families. The fourth theme was the experiences and lastly a
theme on how the participants saw themselves with regards to sameness or being different
than other families was identified. Based on the findings I concluded that there are three
main parenting styles that emerged within these lesbian families and that there are several
experiences, both positive and negative, that have influences on how lesbian mothers rear
their children.
