While much psychological research has focused on development processes and socio- emotional outcomes for children of same-sex parents, sociological research has grappled more with how social institutions such as schools and legal systems shape lesbian and gay families and how LGBT families construct the meaning of family. What do these research emphases reveal about disciplinary perspectives in each field?

The research emphases in psychology and sociology reveal the disciplinary perspectives in each field. In psychology, the focus on development processes and socio-emotional outcomes for children of same-sex parents reflects a more individual and psychological perspective. This emphasis suggests a concern with understanding the impact of family structure on the well-being of children and the psychological processes involved in their development.

On the other hand, the sociological research emphasis on how social institutions and legal systems shape lesbian and gay families, as well as how LGBT families construct the meaning of family, reflects a broader societal and cultural perspective. This emphasis suggests a concern with understanding the larger social and institutional forces that influence the experiences and construction of family for LGBT individuals and families.

Overall, the research emphases in psychology and sociology reveal the different disciplinary perspectives in each field, with psychology focusing more on individual and psychological processes, and sociology focusing more on societal and cultural influences.