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Before and After `I Do': Marriage Processes For Mid-Life Gay and Lesbian Married Couples

Bosley-Smith, Emma R.
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1490879787728175

Abstract Details

2017, Master of Arts, Ohio State University, Sociology.
This qualitative thesis examines how mid-life gay and lesbian married individuals navigate the institution of marriage. Using data from 30 couples in Massachusetts collected in 2013, 9 years after marriage equality was legalized in that state, this thesis seeks to complicate previous research which overwhelmingly focuses on the positive aspects of same-sex marriage for lesbian and gay individuals, relationships, and families. The central themes that emerge in the analysis are: 1) the symbolic power of the institution of marriage, 2) the pragmatic power of the institution of marriage, 3) the rejection of the power of the institution of marriage, and 4) ambivalence with marriage. These findings contribute to understanding not only the positive but also the negative and ambivalent effects of marriage access for lesbian and gay individuals. Additionally, this research provides new insight towards the larger goal of family studies that aims at exploring the multiple meanings of and experiences of this powerful institution.
Corinne Reczek (Advisor)
Sarah Hayford (Committee Member)
Eric Schoon (Committee Member)
54 p.
Sociology
marriage; gay and lesbian couples; mid-life; Massachusetts; marriage equality; same-sex marriage; United States of America; ambivalence; qualitative

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Bosley-Smith, E. R. (2017). Before and After `I Do': Marriage Processes For Mid-Life Gay and Lesbian Married Couples [Master's thesis, Ohio State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1490879787728175

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Bosley-Smith, Emma. Before and After `I Do': Marriage Processes For Mid-Life Gay and Lesbian Married Couples . 2017. Ohio State University, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1490879787728175.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Bosley-Smith, Emma. "Before and After `I Do': Marriage Processes For Mid-Life Gay and Lesbian Married Couples ." Master's thesis, Ohio State University, 2017. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1490879787728175

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

osu1490879787728175
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This open access ETD is published by The Ohio State University and OhioLINK.