"Household Structure Data" explores the diverse household arrangements within the LGBTQ community, an area often overlooked in traditional demographic studies. The book examines cohabitation, marriage trends after legalization, various paths to parenthood like adoption and surrogacy, and the prevalence of multigenerational living. A key insight is the resilience and innovation LGBTQ individuals display in forming supportive family structures, despite facing social and legal hurdles.
The book uses a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative data from sources like census data with qualitative insights from interviews. This allows for a detailed look at topics such as relationship stability, the division of labor in LGBTQ households, and the impact of legal recognition on family structures. It progresses by first introducing fundamental concepts, then analyzing cohabitation and marriage, followed by pathways to parenthood, and finally multigenerational households, offering a comprehensive understanding of LGBTQ family relationships.
This book is valuable because it provides an evidence-based analysis of LGBTQ households, informing inclusive policies and promoting a deeper understanding of contemporary family life. By connecting social science, demography, and legal studies, it illuminates the complex forces shaping LGBTQ household arrangements, distinguishing itself by focusing on data rather than solely on legal debates.