Do same-sex relationships count as family? The effects of personal characteristics, values, and contact on social workers' definitions of same-sex relationships. (November 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Shilo, Guy; Cohen, Orna; Gavriel-Fried, Belle
• Is Part Of: Journal of social work. Volume 16:Number 6(2016:Nov.)
• Page Start: 688
• Page End: 707
• Publication Date: 2016-11
• Subjects: Social work -- family -- same-sex families -- sexual minorities -- social workers -- value; Social service -- Periodicals; 361.305
• DOI: 10.1177/1468017316630693
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1468-0173

Abstract

Summary: This mixed-methods study examined whether heterosexual social workers define same-sex relationships within the concept of family. A sample of 490 Israeli social workers completed a survey that assessed their definition of same-sex relationships as family, their personal values, level of acquaintance with same-sex relationships, and demographics. The qualitative portion included an open-ended question on the way participants perceived social and professional changes concerning families. Findings: Results revealed that religiosity, gender, age, the values of universalism, benevolence and tradition, and level of acquaintance with same-sex relationships were direct predictors of the respondents' definition of same-sex relationships as family. Level of acquaintance mediated the relationships between most demographic and value variables examined and respondents' definition of same-sex relationships as family. Qualitative analysis endorsed the quantitative analysis. Applications: Theoretical and practice implications are discussed, underlining the central role that personal acquaintance with same-sex families has in reducing heterosexism, and the need to improve knowledge about same-sex families in social work education.