From the “but we knew that” department: A study commissioned by the Canadian government back in 2003 has concluded that “children living with two mothers and children living with a mother and father have the same levels and qualities of social competence.” The study, based on “empirical literature,” also noted: “A few studies suggest that children with two lesbian mothers may have marginally better social competence than children in ‘traditional nuclear’ families, even fewer studies show the opposite, and most studies fail to find any differences.”
If only marriage were covered under NAFTA, then we in the U.S. would be able to take advantage of the enlightenment of our northern neighbors.
The government project also noted a lack of research on gay male parents. Dissertation, anyone?
Thank you, as ever, Dana, for scouting the horizon and sharing with us the important news you find. I wanted to locate the study itself, and though upon a quick search I didn’t find the original Justice Department study online, I did find a slightly longer version of it (by the same journalist, Jack Aubry of CanWest News Service) carried by the Ottowa Citizen, from which the Saskatoon StarPhoenix was abridged.
I’ve got to figure that one of the hundred or so studies that the researcher consulted was the National Longitudinal Lesbian Family Study. Eventually the good ole fashioned “hard science” will become better and better known on all this stuff. Study after study will eventually stack up, and create a pedestal on which myopic folks can stand to get a good clear vista over their own biases.
Couldn’t agree more, Polly.
As usual Dana, you are so many steps ahead of the game! I *live* in this country, and only heard about the study this week. Gosh, I gotta read more newspapers, and less academic texts.
And Polly – It’s OttAwa! Just wanted to represent for my hometown. :)