Référence
Saint-Jacques, M.-C., Godbout, É. Ivers, H. (2020). People’s opinions and stereotypes about stepfamilies. Journal of Family Issues, 41(11), 2136-2159.
Résumé
The stepfamily represents an increasingly common form of the family structure. Numerous studies have nonetheless shown that people living in stepfamilies are often stigmatized. The present study focused on public opinion based on a representative sample (N = 1,202) regarding: (a) stepfamilies as a unit; (b) the current situation and future of children; (c) the rights and responsibilities of stepparents; and (d) the perception of stepparents as well as the stereotypes about them. The results showed that people had a favorable opinion about some dimensions, like the future of children living in stepfamilies, but an examination of stereotypes concerning stepfathers and perceptions about stepparents showed a more unfavorable opinion. A latent class analysis showed that there were three opinion profiles. Though there was a positive perception of several stepfamily dimensions, it can be seen that the opinions about stepfamilies were not monolithic. Moreover, the stereotype of the sexual abuser was always present.
