Are gay relationships more stable

Few studies of same-sex relationships are able to capture the dynamics of these relationships from formation to dissolution, and even fewer provide evidence on these dynamics in a non-Western context. A third limitation is that our sample of same-sex couples includes more lesbian than gay couples, perhaps as a result of different social desirability bias between men and women engaged in same-sex relationships.

Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. Official websites use. In some European countries, for example, same-sex couples have higher dissolution rates than different-sex ones Andersson et al. Results from event-history models show that factors associated with relationship formation and dissolution are largely similar for same- and different-sex unions and that same-sex relationships do not have higher dissolution rates.

We specifically focus on relationship experiences from mid-adolescence to early adulthood, a period during which individuals may begin to express their sexual orientation through relationship formation. First, despite a few studies comparing the levels of stability between same-sex and different-sex unions Lau ; Manning, Brown, and Stykesa comprehensive analysis of same-sex relationship dynamics, from their formation to dissolution, remains rare Bennett By examining factors associated with the formation and dissolution of same-sex relationships, as well as comparing partner similarities between same- and different-sex unions, our study considerably enhances our understanding of same-sex relationship dynamics.

Are same-sex marriages different from heterosexual marriages? While it is clear that more research is needed to determine longevity rates after the five-year benchmark, the existing data are quite promising for same-sex couples, indicating that these relationships are just as stable as those enjoyed by heterosexuals.

Using retrospective relationship history data collected from a nationally representative sample of young adults, we compare the paces of forming and terminating relationships between same- and different-sex couples. Not only is our study the first to provide evidence about same-sex relationships in a non-Western context, but our use of detailed relationship history data to examine relationship dynamics also improves upon existing research in several ways.

In the United States, the partners of same-sex unions resemble each other less than those of different-sex unions do Schwartz and Graf Adding to the debate about similarities between same- and different-sex unions, research further shows that the extent of similarity may depend on social and cultural contexts.

As Americans become more accepting of sexual minorities, differences between same-sex and different-sex relationships are smaller than ever. Relationships during this period are important because they exert significant influences on future individual development and union formation Collins, Welsh, and Furman ; Sassler To provide a comprehensive understanding of how the dynamics of same- and different-sex relationships are similar or different, we further ask whether same- and different-sex unions differ in how much the two partners resemble each other in sociodemographic characteristics, and whether this resemblance contributes to relationship stability to the same extent in the two types of unions.

Joseph Nicolosi examines the dynamics of gay male couples, exploring the prevalence of open relationships, non-monogamy, and the cultural attitudes toward fidelity. In this study, we examine the extent to which the relationship dynamics of same-sex unions are similar to those of different-sex ones in Taiwan.

This study is among the first to provide evidence on the dynamics of same- and different-sex relationships in a non-Western context.

Earnings Equality and Relationship

Demographers have long been interested in the diversity of family forms Biblarz and Savci ; Cherlin With the increasing visibility of same-sex unions, an emerging literature has been focusing on the similarities and differences between same- and different-sex unions Kurdek ; Moore and Stambolis-Ruhstorfer ; Peplau and Fingerhut Some researchers show that same-sex couples experience a level of stability similar to that of different-sex couples in the United States Manning, Brown, and Stykesleading to the argument that close dyadic relationships work in similar ways, irrespective of sexual orientation Gates ; Kurdek Others, by contrast, reveal significant differences between same- and different-sex couples.

Like heterosexuals, many lesbian, gay, and bisexual people want to form stable, long-lasting relationships and many of them do. Living in U. Despite the potential importance of social and cultural contexts, previous research on same-sex relationships focuses almost entirely on Western countries.

Aside from a few differences between same- and different-sex relationships related to parental influences, our study provides strong evidence that same- and different-sex couples experience intimacies in similar ways—even in a relatively conservative cultural context like Taiwan.

In fact, researchers have found that the majority of lesbian, and gay, adults are in committed relationships and many couples have been together 10 or more. Moreover, same-sex relationships are more heterogamous in family economic background, but more homogamous in age and education level, than different-sex ones.

The lack of studies of such relationships elsewhere, especially in societies where relatively traditional family practices are still prevalent, constitutes a major void in this otherwise vibrant and growing literature.