Power in lesbian relationships
Date
1996
Authors
Pustil, Jude
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Abstract
This thesis addresses the questions: 1) In lesbian's own voices, what is their experience of power dynamics in their partnered relationships? and 2) What do lesbians think produces or influences these experiences of power? The study is a feminist, qualitative, participatory study (with the researcher as participant), conducted with a group of eight lesbians. This group met for three sessions of three hours each for data collection, and once for feedback following the completion of the first draft of the findings.
A thematic and interpretive analysis explores participants' stories about power struggles and their ideas about individual and cultural influences on these struggles. The themes identified include: ways of thinking about power; aspects of relationship that relate to power: boundaries, respect and trust, communication; focal points of power struggles: money, children, sexuality; playing out of power dynamics: differing perceptions, abuse, leaving; patriarchal constraints; healing: attention to inner self, and the value of support and sharing.