The division of labor and perceptions of parental roles: Lesbian couples across the transition to parenthood

No research has examined the division of labor across the transition to parenthood for same-sex couples. The current study examined the division of labor in 29 lesbian couples (58 women) during the transition to parenthood. Women were interviewed during their last trimester and 3–4 months postnatally. Two theoretical approaches – gender theory and economic theory – were used to generate competing hypotheses about the findings. Results revealed that couples divided housework quite equally; however, biological mothers tended to contribute more to child care. Despite this, the majority of couples did not perceive the biological mother as the more ‘primary’ parent. Results highlight both the utility and limitations of current theories for explaining the division of labor in lesbian couples.