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Averett, K.H. (2016). The Gender Buffet: LGBTQ Parents Resisting Heteronormativity. Gender & Society. 30 (2): 189–212.

Learning Objective: LO 10-2: Describe key agents of gender socialization.

Summary: Using in-depth interviews, Averett explores parenting strategies of LGBTQ parents for socializing their children into gender norms that are resist dominant heteronormative pressures. Averett finds that parents provide children with a wide array, a “gender buffet” consisting of greater choices in clothing, toys, and activities, from which children make their selections.

Questions to Consider:

1. What are “gender heteronormative” beliefs and behaviors? How do the strategies of deploying a “gender buffet” highlighted in Averett’s study differ or resist gender heteronormativity?
2. What are typical methods used by parents to facilitate children’s gender socialization of norms in belief and behaviors?

According to Averett, how do characteristics of race, class, and gender impact the ability of LGBTQ parents to participate in non-normative gender socialization? Why do these factors influence parenting strategies or behavior?