Same-Sex Partners

The Social Demography of Sexual Orientation

By Amanda K. Baumle, D'Lane Compton, and Dudley L. Poston Jr.

Subjects: Sociology, Lesbian / Gay Studies, Family Studies, Anthropology
Paperback : 9780791476109, 239 pages, January 2010
Hardcover : 9780791476093, 239 pages, March 2009

Alternative formats available from:

Read Excerpt View Table of Contents

Request Desk or Examination Copy
Request a Media Review Copy

Table of contents

List of Tables
List of Figures
Foreword
Preface
An Introduction to the Demography of Sexual Orientation
1. Same-Sex Partnering Data in the 2000 U.S. Census: An Overview

Part I. Spatial Distribution, Residential Segregation, and Migration
2. Patterns of Same-Sex Partnering in Metropolitan and Nonmetropolitan America
3. The Residential Segregation of Gay Males and Lesbians from Heterosexuals
4. Gay Male and Lesbian Enclaves in the San Francisco Bay Area
5. Factors Affecting the Migration Decision of Gay Men and Lesbians

Part II. Same-Sex Unmarried Partners and the Family
6. Characteristics of Same-Sex Families
7. The Effects of Sexual Orientation on Dimensions of Family Attachment
Part III. Same-Sex Unmarried Partners in the Labor Market
8. The Economic Cost of Homosexuality
9. Sexual Orientation and Occupational Segregation
Conclusion: Implications for Law, Policy, and Future Research on Sexual Orientation
Appendix
Notes
Bibliography
Contributors
Author Index
Subject Index

A demographic portrait of gay and lesbian couples who live together in committed relationships.

Description

Addressing the lack of understanding regarding the lives of same-sex couples, this book examines the sociodemographic characteristics of partnered gay men and lesbians. The authors draw on U.S. census data to present quantitative analyses of topics pertaining to gay men and lesbians that have previously been relatively unexamined or assessed mainly through qualitative studies. They explore where gay men and lesbians live, why they choose those residences, income inequality, occupations, dimensions of family attachments, relationship commitments, and family structures. The census data allows the authors to provide a more detailed representation of many of the essential features in the lives of gay men and lesbians compared to those of married and cohabiting heterosexuals. In certain cases, the data and analyses reinforce current stereotypes, while in other cases they challenge preexisting beliefs. Ultimately, this book provides a foundation for future research, policy, law, and understanding regarding gay men and lesbians.

Amanda K. Baumle is Assistant Professor of Sociology at the University of Houston and the author of Demography in Transition: Emerging Trends in Population Studies. D'Lane Compton is a doctoral candidate at Texas A&M University. Dudley L. Poston Jr. is Professor of Sociology and George T. and Gladys H. Abell Professor of Liberal Arts at Texas A&M University. He is the author or editor of many books, including (with Michael Micklin) Handbook of Population.