My interests center on romantic relationships, early stages of family formation, gender, aging and the life course, and qualitative methods. In my research, I investigate the meanings, processes, and transitions of family formation, particularly in the stages of searching for a romantic partner and beginning a romantic relationship, at different stages of the life course. More specifically, my recent work has explored experiences searching for, meeting, and dating potential romantic partners for older adults through interviews with 100 singles (50 men and 50 women), ages 60-83.
Courses Taught
- HDFS 545: Intimate Relationships & Fam
- HDFS 625: Adult Development and Aging
- HDFS 746/846: Human Sexuality
- HDFS 757: Race, Class, Gender & Families
- HDFS 757/857: Race, Class, Gender & Families
Research Interests
- Aging and life course
- Family
- Qualitative research methods
- Women and gender
Selected Publications
Harris, L. E., & Jacobs, J. A. (2023). Emerging Ideas. Digital parenting advice: Online guidance regarding children's use of the Internet and social media. Family Relations, 72(5), 2551-2568. doi:10.1111/fare.12813
Harris, L. E. (2023). Older adults on the dating market: The role of family caregiving responsibilities. Journal of Marriage and Family, 85(3), 739-759. doi:10.1111/jomf.12904
Reed, M. N., Li, L., Pesando, L. M., Harris, L. E., Furstenberg, F. F., & Teitler, J. O. (2023). Communication with Kin in the Wake of the COVID-19 Pandemic.. Socius, 9. doi:10.1177/23780231231199388
Harris, L. E. (2021). Committing Before Cohabiting: Pathways to Marriage Among Middle-Class Couples. JOURNAL OF FAMILY ISSUES, 42(8), 1762-1786. doi:10.1177/0192513X20957049
Furstenberg, F. F., Harris, L. E., Pesando, L. M., & Reed, M. N. (2020). Kinship Practices Among Alternative Family Forms in Western Industrialized Societies. JOURNAL OF MARRIAGE AND FAMILY, 82(5), 1403-1430. doi:10.1111/jomf.12712
