May-December lesbian relationships: power storms or blue skies?
What are the implications when there is considerable difference in the ages of partners in a lesbian couple? May-December lesbian relationships are those where partners are at least 10 years apart in age, and where both partners are over 30. These relationships have been either neglected or valorized in the psychological literature. Differences in socially ascribed power, women's socialization against acknowledging power, the value the lesbian community places on egalitarianism, and the interaction of other privileges, combine to impact these couples. The fluid nature of power dynamics in May-December lesbian relationships is highlighted and explored. Finally, ways that age-variant lesbian couples can navigate these power differentials in healthy ways are addressed.
Bruns
Cindy M
CM
Texas Woman's University, Counseling Center, P.O. Box 425350, Denton, Texas 76204-5350, USA. CBruns@twu.edu
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000375:Aging / Q000523:psychology; D001828:Body Image; D005260:Female; D018452:Homosexuality, Female; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D011287:Prejudice; D012649:Self Concept; D012933:Social Identification; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D018454:Spouses / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D014342:Truth Disclosure