Making Space for Lesbian Grandmothers: A Review of Canadian Research on Gender and Family Work presented at the 43rd Annual Meeting of the Canadian Sociological Association in Vancouver, BC, June 3-6, 2008

Abstract

Recognizing that grandmothering is a culturally specific experience, in this presentation I will discuss the relative absence of lesbian grandmothers in the Canadian research literature on work and families. In particular I will critique heterosexism in family studies and ageism in queer family literature. Secondly, I will suggest corrections to “grandmother research” so as to include lesbian grandmothers. The paper will conclude with suggestions for transformation of research by, for and about grandmothers and their family work in Canada.