This study aimed to understand how homoparenthood has been investigated in national and international scientific literature. We carried out a systematic literature review in MedLine, SciELO, PsycINFO and CINAHL from 2000 to 2011 and 12 articles were retrieved. Most of the international production consists of empirical studies with gay couples and their children. In Brazil theoretical studies about homoparental family are dominant. Psychoanalysis emerges as the main theoretical reference used. It is highlighted that empirical studies are required in the Brazilian context given the recent recognition of stable unions between same-sex people and the legal context that makes adoption possible by same-sex couples. Other theoretical approaches seem to be required for understanding the developmental context of same-sex families or same-sex couples with children in a constantly changing social setting.
Parenting; parenthood; homoparenthood; homosexuality; literature review
