The myth of “no difference” – wng.org

Analysis of Child Development Outcomes by Family Structure and Implications for Sustainable Development Goals

This report examines research concerning child development outcomes in various family structures, with a specific focus on the debate surrounding same-sex parenting. It assesses the methodological quality of existing studies and analyzes the findings in the context of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Methodological Review of Family Structure Research

A significant body of research on child outcomes in same-sex parent households has been subject to methodological critique. A consensus often cited, based on approximately 75 studies, suggests no difference in outcomes for children with gay or lesbian parents. However, analysis of this research portfolio reveals several methodological concerns.

Key Methodological Issues

• Sampling Bias: A majority of the studies (approx. 85%) reportedly utilize convenience samples, recruiting participants through advocacy organizations or clinics rather than random, representative selection. This may introduce bias and limit the generalizability of the findings.
• Data Collection Methods: The reliance on parent-reported surveys, rather than independent or objective assessments, is common. This can lead to response bias, where participants may provide socially desirable answers.
• Sample Size: Many studies are based on small populations, sometimes fewer than 30 children, which reduces statistical power and the reliability of the conclusions.

Conversely, studies indicating negative outcomes have also been criticized for similar methodological weaknesses, leading to a complex and contested research landscape. The need for large-scale, longitudinal studies with random sampling and objective outcome measures is critical for establishing a robust evidence base.

Summary of Research Findings on Child Outcomes

Research on the impact of family structure on child well-being has produced varied and often conflicting results over time.

Pre-2000s Research Consensus

Prior to the 21st century, a consensus among prominent family scholars (e.g., McLanahan, Sandefur, Amato, Popenoe) held that children generally experience optimal outcomes when raised by their married, biological parents. This framework emphasized the unique contributions of both mothers and fathers and the stability provided by an intact biological family unit.

Studies Reporting Disparate Outcomes

Several large-scale, nationally representative studies have identified disparities in outcomes for children whose parents have been in same-sex relationships compared to those in intact, biological families.

1. New Family Structures Study (Regnerus, 2012): This study surveyed nearly 15,000 adults and found that those whose parent had a same-sex relationship reported less favorable outcomes across 25 of 40 indicators, including mental health, educational attainment, and relationship stability, when compared to peers from intact biological families.
2. National Health Interview Survey Analysis (Sullins, 2015): An analysis of 1.6 million cases, including 512 children from same-sex parent families, concluded that these children had a 2.6 times greater risk of emotional problems compared to children with opposite-sex married parents, after controlling for socioeconomic factors.
3. Add Health Data Analysis (Sullins, 2015): An analysis of over 12,000 adolescents found that the 20 subjects raised by same-sex parents reported higher levels of anxiety and depression. The study also reported that 38% of children with married same-sex parents disclosed parent-perpetrated sexual abuse, compared to none from opposite-sex parent households in the sample.

Smaller, earlier studies (Sarantakos, 1996; Sirota, 1997, 1999; Barwick & Siegel, 2002) also documented challenges related to academic performance, social adjustment, and emotional security among children in same-sex parented households compared to population norms.

Relevance to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The findings from this body of research have direct implications for the achievement of several SDGs, particularly those focused on health, education, equality, and child protection.

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

• The reported higher incidence of emotional problems, anxiety, depression, and insecure attachment in some studies directly relates to Target 3.4, which aims to promote mental health and well-being.
• Ensuring that all children, regardless of family structure, have the support necessary for positive mental health is crucial for achieving this goal.

SDG 4: Quality Education

• Research indicating lower scores in mathematics and language (Sarantakos, 1996) and disparities in overall educational attainment (Regnerus, 2012) points to potential challenges in achieving Target 4.1: ensuring that all children complete free, equitable, and quality primary and secondary education.
• Understanding the factors that contribute to these educational disparities is essential for developing effective support systems.

SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

• The core of the debate centers on developmental inequalities among children from different backgrounds. Target 10.2 aims to empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of status.
• This includes ensuring that a child’s family structure does not become a source of disadvantage, limiting their future opportunities in health, education, or economic stability.

SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

• Target 16.2 calls for an end to abuse, exploitation, trafficking, and all forms of violence against children. The findings related to elevated risks of abuse (Sullins, 2015) underscore the critical importance of child protection in all family contexts.
• Furthermore, the call for methodologically sound, unbiased research aligns with the goal of building effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions (Target 16.6), including scientific and academic bodies, to provide a just basis for policy and social understanding.

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

  The article extensively discusses the mental and emotional health outcomes of children. It cites studies that report on “anxiety,” “withdrawal,” “depressive symptoms,” “insecure attachment,” and “emotional problems” in children raised by same-sex couples, directly connecting the topic to the goal of ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being.

• SDG 4: Quality Education

  Educational achievement is mentioned as a key outcome measure. The article refers to a study by Sarantakos (1996) which found that children with same-sex parents “scored lower in math and language.” It also references a study by Sullins (2015) where adolescents in same-sex households had “better grades” despite worse mental health outcomes, linking family structure directly to educational performance.

• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

  The central theme of the article is the inequality of outcomes for children based on their family structure. It argues that children in same-sex households “fare worse overall” and face disadvantages in “education, mental health, welfare dependence, and relationship stability” compared to children from “intact biological families.” This directly addresses the goal of reducing inequalities of outcome.

• SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

  The article touches upon issues of justice and child protection. It highlights a disturbing finding from a Sullins study that “38% of those with married same-sex parents did [report parent-perpetrated sexual abuse].” The introductory anecdote about a child sex offender raising a surrogate-born son also points to failures in protective and legal systems. Furthermore, the article critiques academic and research institutions for producing “junk science” and a “junk consensus,” questioning their integrity and accountability.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

   • Target 3.4: By 2030, reduce by one third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being. The article’s focus on “anxiety,” “depressive symptoms,” and “emotional problems” directly relates to the promotion of mental health and well-being for children.

2. SDG 4: Quality Education

   • Target 4.1: By 2030, ensure that all girls and boys complete free, equitable and quality primary and secondary education leading to relevant and effective learning outcomes. The article discusses learning outcomes by citing a study that found children in same-sex parent households “scored lower in math and language.”

3. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

   • Target 10.3: Ensure equal opportunity and reduce inequalities of outcome, including by eliminating discriminatory laws, policies and practices and promoting appropriate legislation, policies and action in this regard. The article is centered on the argument that children experience significant “inequalities of outcome” based on family structure, citing worse results in “education, mental health, welfare dependence, and relationship stability.”

4. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

   • Target 16.2: End abuse, exploitation, trafficking and all forms of violence against and torture of children. This target is directly identified through the article’s reporting of a study finding that “while no children of opposite-sex parents reported parent-perpetrated sexual abuse, 38% of those with married same-sex parents did.”
   • Target 16.9: By 2030, provide legal identity for all, including birth registration. The article’s core argument about the importance of “married, biological mother and father” and its discussion of surrogacy implicitly raises questions about a child’s legal identity and right to know their biological parents, which is a component of this target.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

1. For Target 3.4 (Promote mental health and well-being):

   • Prevalence of emotional problems: The article explicitly states that “Children in same-sex parent families have a 2.6 times greater risk of emotional problems.”
   • Measures of anxiety and depression: It cites a study that found adolescents with same-sex parents had “higher anxiety, and higher depressive symptoms.”
   • Attachment security: A study is mentioned that found adults raised by gay or bisexual fathers were “more likely to show insecure attachment.”

2. For Target 4.1 (Ensure effective learning outcomes):

   • Proficiency in core subjects: The article mentions a study where children with same-sex parents “scored lower in math and language.”
   • Academic grades: It also refers to a study where adolescents in same-sex households had “better grades.”

3. For Target 10.3 (Reduce inequalities of outcome):

   • Composite outcome measures: The article refers to the New Family Structures Study, which found that adults whose parent had a same-sex relationship “fared worse than peers from intact biological families on 25 of 40 outcomes, including education, mental health, welfare dependence, and relationship stability.”

4. For Target 16.2 (End abuse and violence against children):

   • Incidence of parent-perpetrated sexual abuse: The article provides a direct, quantifiable indicator from a study: “38% of those with married same-sex parents” reported parent-perpetrated sexual abuse.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: wng.org