Which term describes a same-sex couple raising children?

Which term describes a same-sex couple raising children?

• A. Double-career family
• B. Household
• C. Reconstituted family
• D. Gay or lesbian family

Answer: (D)

The situation is described in sociology by a family form that specifically names the sexuality of the parents and their parenting role. A same-sex couple who are raising children is best described as a gay or lesbian family because the term directly identifies both partners as gay or lesbian and notes that they are in a parental, caregiving role with children.

A household is just about who lives together and shares a dwelling, not about the sexual orientation of the couple or whether they have children. A double-career family focuses on both partners working, not on sexual orientation or parenting. A reconstituted family refers to a blended family formed after a divorce, which doesn’t apply to the idea of a same-sex couple raising children.