Author Peggy Drexler

Popular wisdom dictates that a father is essential in raising a son, but CoP nell University professor Peggy Drexler wasn't buying it. Her study showed that the sons of lesbians and single mothers are actually better off than those in traditional homes. The results appear in her new book, Raising Boys Without Men: How Maverick Morns Are Creating the Next Generation of Exceptional Men.

What is most surprising about lesbian parents?

There's a notion that lesbians hate men, that they will feminize their men or make them into sissies. Quite the contrary, I found that lesbian morns supported their sons' masculinity, encouraged growth and independence, valued them as boys, and brought in role models.

Some people say that nurturing and sensitivity are bad traits for a boy.

The truth of the matter is that these are masculine qualities as well. Many men have been brought up to repress their feelings. But when a boy is given the opportunity to express a broader range, he's going to be more well-rounded.

Did you find that these bays were less able to handle themselves in fights with other boys?

No, actually I found just the opposite. They were able to use their intellectual and emotional strategizing and fend for themselves very well. They weren't overly aggressive either. They were aggressive in terms of choice-making and sports, but they weren't bullies or victims.

Are you planning to continue the study of these boys?

My book is really a snapshot of how these boys are doing in time. It's very important to see how boys are being raised with their maverick mothers. I plan to go back when they're in their late teens and early 20s.

COPYRIGHT 2005 Liberation Publications, Inc.
COPYRIGHT 2005 Gale Group