Same-Sex and Cross-Sex Relationships

This study examines same-sex and cross-sex close relationships of older adults using a national probability sample survey. Specifically, we focus on three relational characteristics: psychological closeness, geographical proximity, and support exchange. These characteristics are examined with four types of close relationships: spouse, children, siblings, and friends. Results indicate that although older persons tend to have more women in the network and receive more support from those women, they are not necessarily closer, either psychologically or geographically, to the women than to the men in their network. The data also suggest a noticeable shift from same-sex alliance to female salience in the networks when older men, as well as women, become widowed and require more support. The findings are discussed in light of three principles which have guided research on sex differences in close relationships: relation hierarchy, femaleness, and sex commonality.