In society, at present, there are many divorces, single parent families,
and gays raising children. The courts are the mechanism we use to decide
custody, visitation, "what is best for the child", and multiple other
child-related issues. You know who judges are, and you know their
biases. I am unaware of any scientific studies that would provide the
courts with some objective data on how to chose the caretaker(s) and
which roles are best filled by which caretaker at specific times in
their lives. Also, are there child gender-related issues? Are there any
psychologic tests/sociologic studies that can prove which person(s)
would be a better caretaker? Are there any studies showing that a
mother is better than a father, or a straight better than a gay in
raising a "mentally healthy" child? It seems to me that the bottom line
is: how will the child grow up most happy and "mentally healthy"? Are
there other factors eg. socioeconomic status, religion, etc. that would
also provide positive or negative indicators? Could you advise me about
any studies that would shed some OBJECTIVE light on these, or related,
areas? It would appear that this is an area ripe for psychologic or
sociologic research, which the journals may find timely.
Thanx,
Carl Meisner
10222 Windsor Ln.
Houston, Tx. 77031
281-933-4502