Different-Sex Couples Research Articles

Disability Estimates between Same- and Different-Sex Couples: Microdata from the American Community Survey (2009-2011).

Disability and sexual orientation have been used by some to unjustly discriminate against differently-abled and differently-oriented minority groups. Because little is known about the disability rates of individuals in same-sex unions, this technical report presents disability rates by separating couples into: same-sex-female; same-sex-male; different-sex-married; and different-sex-unmarried couples. Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) Public Use Microdata Sample (PUMS) 2009-2011 3-year file is utilized to produce estimates (and their standard errors) for the following six disability items: independent living; ambulatory; self-care; cognitive; hearing; and vision. Estimates of disability by selected geographies-i.e., Public Use Microdata Areas (PUMAs)-are also presented as is a figure showing a PUMA polygon. Qualitative comparisons seem to indicate that: same-sex-female couples have higher rates of disability compared to the other three groups; that in general, disability estimates for individuals in same-sex couples have a greater degree of uncertainty; and that disability-item-allocations are most prevalent in same-sex couples. Because societal marginalization may increase through cumulative processes, public health professionals should continue to seek out ways to identify underserved populations.

Assortative Mating Among Dutch Married and Cohabiting Same‐Sex and Different‐Sex Couples

The authors compared male and female same‐sex and different‐sex couples in the Netherlands with respect to age and educational homogamy. Because many same‐sex couples in the Netherlands are married, differences between married and cohabiting couples were analyzed for all 3 groups. Analyses of data from the Dutch Labor Force Surveys 2001–2007 (N = 184,999 couples) showed that male same‐sex couples are less homogamous in terms of age and education than different‐sex couples. Female same‐sex couples are less homogamous in terms of age, but not in terms of education. No meaningful differences were found between married couples and cohabiting couples. Partnership status appeared less important than the sex composition of the couple. Given the relatively tolerant climate toward homosexuals in the Netherlands, the similarity of the results with those yielded by studies conducted in the United States may be considered striking.

Wage Differentials of Males and Females in Same-Sex and Different-Sex Couples in Canada, 2006-2010

This paper utilizes 5 cycles of the General Social Survey in consecutive years from 2006 through 2010 to address the issue of differential wages amongst members of same-sex couples compared to their counterparts in different-sex couples. We find that men in gay couples have a measurable – but statistically insignificant – wage penalty compared to males in heterosexual relationships. A sizeable and statistically significant earnings premium exists for lesbians in same-sex couples.

Monogamy and Marital Adjustment: A Study of Same Sex Couples and Different Sex Couples

Objective: This study aims at identifying differences in sexual exclusivity and marital adjustment among different-sex and same-sex couples. Method : A descriptive and exploratory study was conducted, with 909 individuals aged over 16 years and in a significant relationship for at least 6 months. Using the internet, the participants completed a sociodemographic questionnaire, the English version of the DAS (Dyadic Adjustment Scale) and a questionnaire that aims at assessing the Sexual Exclusivity through a sexuality factor and a self-esteem factor. Results : We observed that approximately 50% of the respondents presented high levels of Sexual Exclusivity and Marital Adjustment. We also found that the level of satisfaction with the relationship is the most common problem reported by the participants. Moreover, we found that marital relations (expression of affection, satisfaction and consensus) among same-sex couples and different-sex couples did not present statistically significant differences ( F (2,905) = .339; p > .05). Conclusion : Approximately 50% of the participants presented high levels of sexual exclusivity and marital adjustment. Monogamy in same-sex couples is often perceived as a myth. In fact, the data shows good levels of exclusivity among heterosexual couples compared to homosexual couples. However, the relationship adjustment is not significantly different between the two groups.

Public and Private Physical Affection Differences between Same-Sex and Different-Sex Couples: The Role of Perceived Marginalization

Despite its connection with relationship satisfaction, research on physical affection is scarce and fails to disentangle private and public displays of affection. It is important to examine both types if marginalized couples are less comfortable displaying affection publicly. The present study examined whether same-sex couples display less public (but not private) physical affection than different-sex couples due to stronger feelings of relationship marginalization. It also examined how public/private affection and marginalization relate to relationship satisfaction. Women in committed same-sex and different-sex relationships completed surveys of public affection, private affection, marginalization, and relationship satisfaction online. As predicted, women in same-sex relationships displayed less public affection than those in different-sex relationships, an effect mediated by general societal marginalization. Both private and public affection predicted higher relationship satisfaction, whereas feelings of marginalization by friends/family predicted lower relationship satisfaction. We discuss implications for relationship counseling and propose new ways of looking at marginalization.