Homoparentality: a current focus of research in Latin America La homoparentalidad: un interés vigente de la investigación latinoamericana

Abstract

As professionals, we are involved in discussions of political juncture and homoparental families have gradually become the focus of scientific research in various disciplines in Latin America, thus, we identified the need to review the literature on this topic. Objective: to determine the main subjects reported by Latin American researchers during the last five years. Methodology: a comprehensive review of the scientific literature (critical review) found in electronic databases. Six selection criteria were applied obtaining a total of 83 articles; 21 of these articles were prioritized and read using an in-depth reading style. Results: the most recurrent research interests focus on establishing if homosexual couples are able to become mothers/fathers, and determining if these families count with a strong or weak social network, particularities of their daily life, identifying if their rights are being violated and the negative or positive implications on the development of the boys and girls. Conclusion: apparently there are no negative impacts on their psychological development and their academic performance is not particularly different to the one of their peers.  Conversely, it has been found they are more tolerant of differences, more permissive with gender role identity, exhibit lower levels of prejudice, manage a high level of resilience and in general they go beyond a dominant heteronormative system.