The experience of motherhood in a female same-sex parenting family

Abstract

In families with a heterosexually-based core, maternal and paternal functions are associated with the gender of the care-givers. Families of non-traditional orientation are usually seen as a source of psychopathologies. Even though the conventional, traditional arrangement is still prevalent, this arrangement has come to share its space and importance with new and questioning family configurations, among which one may quote same-sex parents. The present essay has attempted to understand, by way of case studies, the performance of the maternal function in a female same-sex parenting family, composed of a female couple in the role of parents and the biological child of one of them. For the purpose of this analysis, an interview was conducted with the couple, separately, followed by the use of the family drawing test. A game was devised to test the child. There was also a diagnostic family interview with the couple and with child, with feedback. The material was interpreted on the basis of psychoanalytical reference. It was observed that the maternal function was largely conducted by the other partner and not by the biological mother.