Degree
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Department
Sociology
Document Type
Dissertation
Abstract
This dissertation examines fertility trends among LGB and non-LGB individuals using nationally representative data and frames the findings around biological, material, and social barriers to fertility. Using the National Survey of Family Growth, Chapter 1 examines aggregate trends in fertility intentions and achieved fertility. LGB individuals are less likely to intend children and have fewer children, on average, compared to non-LGB individuals, and these results are consistent over time. Chapter 2 uses the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1997 and propensity score matching models to analyze the likelihood of having a child when respondents are matched on socioeconomic characteristics. When matched, gay men are less likely than lesbians, bisexuals, and heterosexuals to have children, while lesbians and bisexuals are not statistically different from each other or heterosexuals. Chapter 3 uses the National Survey of Family Growth to interact sexual orientation and race in predicting fertility desires and achieved fertility. Results show that bisexual Black women went against a trend of lower fertility desires by sexual minority status, but this effect was not found for achieved fertility. The data suggest strong differentials by sexual minority status. I contribute to a small but growing body of quantitative literature on fertility processes and outcomes among LGB individuals.
Date
7-12-2024
Recommended Citation
Hughes, Dustin M., "LGB Fertility: How Biological, Material, and Social Barriers Shape Desired, Intended, and Actual Fertility" (2024). LSU Doctoral Dissertations. 6537.
https://repository.lsu.edu/gradschool_dissertations/6537
Committee Chair
Heather Rackin
Included in
Demography, Population, and Ecology Commons, Family, Life Course, and Society Commons, Gender and Sexuality Commons