Gay and Lesbian Couples: Voices from Lasting Relationships

by Richard Mackey

Overview

The voices in this book come from the stories of gay and lesbian partners who talk about their struggles over the years in building a life together. The stories reach beyond the obvious realities of sexual orientation to speak to the joys, sorrows, hopes, and fears of human beings who are committed to making their relationships work. Based on a life-span perspective, in-depth interviews of people whose relationships have lasted more than 15 years explored how partners adapted over the years. Each interview consisted of questions that focused upon dimensions of these relationships over time from the unique perspective of each partner. They were asked about conflict over the years, decision-making styles, ways of working out roles, the importance of social supports, and sexual and psychological intimacy.

The research upon which the book is based has continuity with the authors' earlier work on lasting relationships among heterosexual couples, including Lasting Marriages: Men and Women Growing Together (Praeger, 1995). Compared to marriages, relatively little research has been done on the development of same sex relationships. This book will be of great interest to all researchers and students of gender differences, marriage and family therapy, human sexuality, and interpersonal relationships.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780275958473
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Academic
Publication date:	11/25/1997
Pages:	224
Product dimensions:	6.14(w) x 9.21(h) x 0.46(d)
Lexile:	1170L (what's this?)

About the Author

RICHARD A. MACKEY is Professor at the Graduate School of Social Work, Boston College.

BERNARD A. O'BRIEN is Associate Professor, Department of Counseling, Developmental Psychology and Research Methods, School of Education, Boston College.

EILEEN F. MACKEY has worked in the field of gerontology as an administrator.

Table of Contents

Prologue
Introduction
Roles
Relational Fit
Decision Making
Conflict
Intimacy
Social Supports
Relationships Are Relationships
Appendices
Bibliography
Index

Editorial Reviews

Combining the perspectives and methods of social work, counseling, and gerontology, this thorough examination details what characterizes long-term gay and lesbian couples. Using a life-span perspective to integrate their approach, the authors conducted lengthy interviews with 36 couples that have been together over 15 years. The relational themes explored include communication strategies, support networks, conflict management, and partner roles. The most interesting chapter compares lesbian, gay, and heterosexual couples. Academic libraries collecting gender studies, psychology, and social work will be the most interested in this book because so little substantive research has been done.David S. Azzolina, Univ. of Pennsylvania Libs., Philadelphia

Library Journal

In the spirit of furthering the understanding of an important minority group in our society, three social scientists focus on how individuals in committed relationships adapt to each other from the early years of their relationships through the present time. The multidimensional perspective encompasses the nature of partner roles, relational fit, conflict, decision making, sexual and psychological intimacy, and the importance of support. The final chapter addresses similarities and variations in lasting relationships of same-sex and heterosexual couples. Annotation c. by Book News, Inc., Portland, Or.

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