Tendency to Stigmatize Lesbian Mothers in Custody Cases

Abstract

Summary Using Goffman's stigma framework, in this study we measured the general public's tendency to stigmatize lesbian mothers and correlated their responses to a custody decision they had to make when the mother was presented as a lesbian. Results indicated no difference between urban and rural residents' responses in terms of their tendency to stigmatize and their custody decisions. Respondents overwhelmingly preferred joint custody. Males had a higher tendency to stigmatize the lesbian mothers. Religiosity was an effective factor, whereas education was not.