The value of children to lesbian and non-lesbian mothers

This study compares the responses of a sample of lesbian and non-lesbian mo thers to items on the Value of Children (VOC) Scale. This instrument measur es the reasons that may explain why adults become parents and the values an d functions for children in the lives of adults. Results indicate that ther e are more similarities than differences between lesbian and non-lesbian mo thers in responses on the VOC Scale. Only one subscale that measures goals and incentives for assuming parenthood and having children differentiated b etween the groups. The lack of differences in response patterns on the VOC scale between lesbian and non-lesbian mothers may be attributed to the simi lar socialization experiences of women in our society regarding parenthood and the expectations of individuals upon assuming this role in adulthood. T he significant differences in responses on the one subscale may be attribut ed to differences in world-views of lesbian and non-lesbian mothers.