Lesbian Social Services

This book examines state-of-the-art, methodological issues and ethical dilemmas associated with conducting research with lesbians. Lesbians are often overlooked or under-represented in both academic research and popular literature, as they suffer from the double discrimination of both homophobia and sexism. An extremely valuable addition to the field, Lesbian Social Services is an insightful guide for scholars and researchers, providing pragmatic ideas and support for those wishing to conduct social science research using lesbian samples. It also shows how to identify other areas in which research is needed. Lesbian Social Services is conceptualized around major topics of a research study--literature review, methodology, and professional implications. Chapters include: a literature review of research conducted about lesbians and lesbianism from 1950--1990 an examination of single-subject design use for evaluating psychotherapy with lesbians and gay men an exploration of the feminist participatory model for studying partner abuse in lesbian relationships methodological issues associated with conducting research with older lesbians an analysis of ethical dilemmas associated with conducting research in lesbian communities fusion and conflict resolution in lesbian relationships Each chapter contains an excellent reference list to help the novice and the experienced scholar continue the development of research that provides valid and reliable data on and about lesbians. Social Services for Lesbians is an ideal resource for professionals and upper-level students in the fields of social work, counseling, psychology, psychiatry, and mental health.