LGBTQ+ Parents' Care and Work Arrangements During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Canadian Mixed-Methods Study

Area of Science:

• Sociology
• Public Health
• Family Studies

Background:

• Existing research on pandemic impacts on parental care and work overlooks LGBTQ+ parents.
• Gender division of labor studies often exclude or fail to inquire about LGBTQ+ parental identities and experiences.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate how the COVID-19 pandemic affected the care and work arrangements of Canadian LGBTQ+ parents.
• To address the gap in research concerning the unique experiences of LGBTQ+ parents during the pandemic.
• To explore the influence of family composition and gender beliefs on LGBTQ+ parents' pandemic experiences.

Main Methods:

• A mixed-methods approach combining an online survey (n=4683, 350 non-heterosexual) and virtual interviews (14 parents in 9 interviews).
• Utilized the digital Care/Work Portrait application to capture detailed care and work arrangements.
• Enabled analysis of both group-level trends and in-depth individual experiences.

Main Results:

• LGBTQ+ parents reported more substantial changes in care and work arrangements compared to non-LGBTQ+ parents during the pandemic.
• Family composition and formation played a crucial role in understanding LGBTQ+ parents' pandemic-related arrangements.
• Distinctive beliefs and practices surrounding gender were observed among LGBTQ+-identified parents.

Conclusions:

• A mixed-methods approach is effective for understanding diverse family experiences, including those of LGBTQ+ parents.
• Researchers must adapt assumptions and methodologies to accurately capture the pandemic's impact on diverse family structures.
• Findings underscore the need for inclusive research practices that acknowledge the specific challenges and adaptations of LGBTQ+ families.