Here you'll find answers about the wider project, if you would like to participate then you will be provided with more detailed information. If you'd like to know more about taking part, please complete the form here and I will be in touch.
What is the purpose of this research project?
This project seeks to understand how social policies impact on LGBTQ+ people’s decisions regarding parenthood. It explores the ways that LGBTQ+ people and the government define and understand both families and parenting, looking for similarities and differences, as well as what effects these have. It forms part of the researcher’s PhD project.
Will I be paid for taking part?
No but you will receive a summary of the research findings at the end of the project.
What are the possible benefits of taking part?
Taking part in this project provides an opportunity to talk about LGBTQ+ families and parenthood with other LGBTQ+ people. You may increase your knowledge about parental leave entitlements in Great Britain and how these differ for different family structures. The insights from this research project will be shared with policymakers and activist groups which could have future benefits for LGBTQ+ parents and families.
What are the possible risks of taking part?
There are no anticipated risks of physical harm from taking part in this project. Discussing family dynamics and journeys to parenthood contains some risk of emotional distress, although this will be different for each person. Additionally, for marginalised people, exploring the ways that you may be differentially impacted by and excluded from social policy may in itself be distressing. You will be signposted to further support if required.
How much time will it take?
It depends on which element of the research you participate in but likely around 2 hours. Before agreeing to take part in the study you will be provided with a detailed information sheet and Hanna will talk you through what will happen. You can find out about what's involved at different stages of the project here.
What will happen to the results of the research project?
This research will form part of Hanna Andersen’s doctoral thesis which will be published on the Cardiff University repository. The findings and results may also appear in academic journals and be presented at conferences. You will not be identified in any report, publication or presentation but your direct quotes may be published under a pseudonym. For any public presentations, you will be invited to attend where possible. This is completely voluntary and for your own interest. If you would like a copy of the published study, please let Hanna Andersen know.
How can I take part in the research?
There are four ways that you can be involved with this project. You may find one to be of interest to you, or you may wish to participate in multiple parts. These are covered in the project video which you can find here. To take part, you must be over 18, identify as LGBTQ+ and live in England, Scotland or Wales. For some parts of the research you must also have considered becoming a parent beyond the romantic couple within the past 15 years. It doesn’t matter whether you have become a parent or not, you also don't have to be legally classified as a parent. If you'd like to take part, please fill in the form here.
Do I have to take part? What if I change my mind?
No, your participation in this research project is entirely voluntary and it is up to you to decide whether or not to take part. If you decide to take part, the researcher (Hanna Andersen) will answer any further questions you have and ask you to sign a consent form. If you decide not to take part, you do not have to explain your reasons and it will not affect your legal rights.
You are free to withdraw your consent to participate in the research project at any time before or during, and up to 14 days afterwards, without giving a reason, even after signing the consent form. If you withdraw after having participated in one of the group activities then your contributions will be removed from the transcript and any formal analysis. However, the wider conversation which you participated in and helped to shape will remain. You are also free to leave during the group sessions if you wish and do not need to provide a reason.
Who has reviewed this research project?
This research project has been reviewed and given a favourable opinion by the School of Social Science Research Ethics Committee at Cardiff University.
How is this research funded?
This research forms part of Hanna Andersen's PhD Project which is funded by the ESRC (Economic and Social Research Council). The project reference is 2925615.