Swedish Children of Single Mothers by Choice, and Children of Heterosexual Couples, Reflect on Child Conception and Other Paths to Parenthood

Abstract

The article presents findings from interviews with 15 Swedish 6- to 9-year-olds from two family forms: children of single mothers by choice and children of heterosexual couples. The article focuses on the children’s reflections on child conception and other paths to parenthood. The children of single mothers by choice mentioned heterosexual intimacy, assisted reproduction, and adoption. The children of heterosexual couples mentioned heterosexual intimacy and adoption, but not assisted reproduction, in the interviews. Heterosexual intimacy was often, but not always, presented as the obvious or optimal path to parenthood by children in both groups, while assisted reproduction and adoption often were seen as secondary solutions. Some children did, however, present assisted reproduction or adoption as optimal for singles. The findings show that heteronormativity is the predominant discourse, but also that most participants acknowledged other paths to parenthood.