Legislating the Family: Heterosexist Bias in Social Welfare Policy Frameworks

Authors

Amy Lind, University of Virginia

Keywords

Welfare reform; family policy; civil rights; gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (LGBT); heterosexism

Abstract

This article addresses the effects of heterosexist bias in social welfare policy frameworks on lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) individuals and families in the United States. It discusses the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act (PRWORA), the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), federal definitions of family and household, and stereotypes about LGBT individuals. It argues that poor LGBT individuals and families lack full citizen rights and access to needed social services as a result of these explicit and implicit biases.

Recommended Citation

Lind, Amy (2004) "Legislating the Family: Heterosexist Bias in Social Welfare Policy Frameworks," The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare: Vol. 31: Iss. 4, Article 3.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.15453/0191-5096.3024
Available at: https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/jssw/vol31/iss4/3