Do same-sex relationships count as family? The effects of personal characteristics, values, and contact on social workers’ definitions of same-sex relationships

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.