Homosexual Familes More Successful than Heterosexual Familes
analytical Essay
1043 words
“Being gay is much more profound than simply a sexual relationship; being gay is part of that person’s core identity, and goes right to the very center of his being. It’s like being black in s society of whites, or a blonde European in a nation of black Asians” (Tamara L. Roleff). Although marriage, cohabitation and parenting styles of homosexual families pose no threats to the heterosexual society; many still believe same-sex marriage goes against its true purpose. “At the national level, American public opinion on the issue remains split (44 percent support legalizing same-sex marriage; 53 percent oppose same-sex marriage in a May 2010 Gallup Poll) even as opposition toward legalizing same-sex marriage is at its lowest point in decades (Jones, 2010)” (Amy B. Becker). Also to one’s surprise, among the vast amount of psychological disorders, homosexuality is not one. Homosexuals are just as capable of sustaining stable and successful relationships and families just as heterosexuals. Same-sex cohabitation and marriage should be legal because these marriages are just as successful as or more so than heterosexual marriages. “According to a 2007 report published by the Pew Research Center, ‘more Americans say that the main purpose of marriage is forming a lifetime union between two adults for their mutual happiness and fulfillment (65%) than say its main purpose is forming a lifetime union between two adults for the purpose of bearing and raising children (23%)’” (Amy B. Becker). According to Cynthia G. Wagner’s “Homosexual Relationships”, Lawrence A. Kurdek of Wright State University states homosexual partners conflict resolutions go more smoothly than their male and female counterparts. Therefore, if these gay people treat each othe... ... middle of paper ... ...ay': Lesbian And Gay Parents' Talk About Homophobic Bullying." British Journal Of Social Psychology 43.4 (2004): 531-550. Academic Search Premier. Web. 24 Feb. 2014. Dnes, Antony W. "Marriage, Cohabitation, And Same-Sex Marriage." Independent Review 12.1 (2007): 85-99. Business Source Premier. Web. 24 Feb. 2014. Rimalower, Lucy, and Caren Caty. "The Mamas And The Papas: The Invisible Diversity Of Families With Same-Sex Parents In The United States." Sex Education: Sexuality, Society And Learning 9.1 (2009): 17-32. ERIC. Web. 24 Feb. 2014. Roleff, Tamara L., ed. Gay Marriage. San Diego, CA: Greenhaven Press, Inc., 1998. Print. Van Den Haag, E. "Sodom And Begorrah." National Review 43.7 (1991): 35. MasterFILE Premier. Web. 24 Feb. 2014. Wagner, Cynthia G. "Homosexual Relationships." Futurist 40.3 (2006): 6. Business Source Premier. Web. 24 Feb. 2014.
In this essay, the author
- Argues that forbidding gay marriage is unjustifiable and unconstitutional.
- Explains that children of same-sex families function equally or better emotionally and academically than children from heterosexual families.
- Opines that although homosexuality is a nontraditional way of life, the homosexuals themselves, their children, and the supporting people around them are making the situation much more acceptable.
- Analyzes becker, amy b., "what's marriage (and family) got to do with it? support for same"
- Explains that homosexuality is part of a person's core identity and goes right to the center of his being. although marriage, cohabitation, and parenting styles of homosexual families pose no threats to heterosexual society, many still believe same-sex marriage goes against its true purpose.
Related
- explanatory
- analytical
- comparative
- opinionated
- Analysis of Homosexual Familiesexplanatory essayAnalysis of Homosexual Families The Civil Rights Act of 1964 which prohibits discrimination of an individual on the basis of their race, sex, religion, or national origin fails to provide federal protection to individuals on the basis of their sexual orientation. The fact that this landmark federal policy does not include civil rights protection for homosexuals has put them at a disadvantage legally and socially. Although social attitudes towards homosexuality are slowly progressing, erroneous myths and bias attitudes within the legal system continue to persist. Since homosexuals are not legally protected, these myths within the judicial system are allowed to flourish. Judges' biases and prejudicial viewpoints contribute to the outcome of legal decisions.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that the civil rights act of 1964 does not include civil rights protection for homosexuals, which has put them at a disadvantage legally and socially.
- Explains that minority groups have suffered the brunt of discrimination and social exclusion from mainstream society. brutal physical attacks, hurtful name-calling, and rejection from community events are just a few.
- Explains that the family has undergone significant changes in the last two decades due to changes within society. the most significant issue facing homosexuals is the legal recognition of same sex marriages.
- Argues that the dominant societal belief that homosexuality is unhealthy for the family and a threat to society has no evidence to support it.
- Explains that homosexual parents and their children encounter various forms of social prejudice, social inequalities, and judicial discrimination due to the societal norms.
- Explains that the assumption that children of homosexual parents are embarrassed is not always true. children who identify with their parent's homosexual identity may link their values and belief system as varying from that of the dominant society.
- Explains that homosexual families face ridicule, prejudice, and discrimination simply because of their sexual orientation. federal policies, laws and court rulings side with traditional family values.
- Explains that children of homosexual families are no more inclined to face emotional or psychological problems than those of heterosexual families.
- Opines that the dominant views of society oppose homosexuality, which they believe to some degree is a reflection of ignorance.
- Describes baird, robert, and rosenbaum, stuart e. 1997. same sex marriage-the moral and legal debate.
- Describes cabaj, robert, and david w. purcell's on the road to same-sex marriages.
- Describes lych, jean, and kim murry's "for the love of the children-the coming out process".
- Describes warren, carol, and john wiley & sons' identity and community in the gay world.
- Explains that they obtained their research data from humboldt state university the week prior to spring break.
- Explains that the judiciary system is prejudice and discriminatory towards homosexuals. in the custody battle case of mary ward, the court subjectively sides with the heterosexual or biological parent.
2233 wordsRead More - Attitudes Towards Same-sex Familiesanalytical essayIt is a recent move for social scientists into the realm of same-sex studies including but not limited to same-sex health, marriage, and families. With evident growing popularity within national and international newspapers and television news casts, recent studies have proven to show that there is something to say about all three and the results are shocking to some, if not most. With there being so many social stigmas around what is means to be a homosexual, or in other terms, gay or lesbian, recent scholars have tried to find evidentiary support for or against these stigmas. With a growing gay and lesbian community both in Canada and the United States, same-sex families have come largely into the picture. It is thought that with the growing communities and the growing research being done on these communities, scholars may be able to understand the experiences of gay and lesbian parents as well as their children (Power and Perlesz, 2010). In the United States, it is assumed that there are between 2 to 10 million gay and lesbian parents and 6 to 14 million children being raised by these parents (Adams 2004). Taking these numbers into consideration, according to the United States census in 2000, out of all the gay and lesbian headed homes, about one third of all lesbian homes had children and approximately one fifth of all gay male headed homes had children (Power & Perlesz 2010). There are many stereotypes that linger around not only the same-sex parents, but also their children. People are quick to assume that if a child’s parent’s identity with a gay or lesbian sexual orientation then the child is going to be gay or a lesbian as well. Not only this, but people are also quick to assume that these children are worse off, that th...
In this essay, the author
- Explains that social scientists have moved into the realm of same-sex studies including but not limited to gay health, marriage, and families. there are many stereotypes that linger around gay and lesbian parents and their children.
- Argues that attitudes towards same-sex families and children within them have little to no effect on the children's well-being.
- Explains that today's meaning of having has shifted from the typical mother, father and child nuclear family to a more diverse meaning that includes extended biological families, such as grandparents, aunts, and uncles.
- Explains that in some cases where only one of the two partners is biologically related to the child it can turn into a legal battle, especially in countries where same-sex marriage and adoption is not recognized by law.
- Explains that homophobia is an irrational fear, intolerance, or hatred of gay men and lesbians. it affects many aspects of the everyday life from religion to health care.
- Explains that homophobia is public and internalized. it affects many aspects of homosexuals' lives including the way their children are treated.
- Explains that heterosexism is the belief in the inherent superiority of one form of loving over all others and thereby the right to culture dominance.
- Explains that homophobia and heterosexism are two of the most underlying factors in the attitudes that people have towards homo-sexual relationships and essentially same-sexe parenting.
- Argues that the sexual revolution led to the decoupling of marriage and procreation, leading to an explosive increase in family collapse, out-of-wedlock-births and crime.
- Explains that there are many stereotypes that support arguments that prevent gay males and lesbians from adopting.
- Explains that children who come from explicitly same-sex families feel like they are representative of the gay or lesbian community and feel that they have to explain their story to everyone they encounter.
- Explains that all of the preceding topics come down to whether or not a same-sex family or household is sufficient for child, the children’s psychosocial adjustments in the communities, their romantic relationship as well as the sexual orientation.
2475 wordsRead More - Traditional American Family Essaycomparative essayThe emergence of gays and lesbians from the shadows of perceived deviancy has led to the formation of civil unions and in an increasingly number of states, marriage. As society has become more open and accepting of homosexuals, an increased number of gay men and women have “come out” of the proverbial closet. These closeted individuals may have previously been married in heterosexual unions and produced offspring prior to freeing themselves of fear and societal constraints. This gives rise to a new interpretation of the blended family. The gay and lesbian blended family. Many gays and lesbians have opted to cohabitate as a family unit merging the heterosexual and homosexual familial entity. Despite the controversies, gays and lesbians with children are becoming more and more a part of the American family landscape. Increasingly, there are blended families with two moms or two dads. During the past decade, the number of same-sex households “grew significantly” in 10 states for which figures have been released: more than 700 percent in Delaware and Nevada; more than 400 percent in Vermont, Indiana, Louisiana and Nebraska; and more than 200 percent in Connecticut, Illinois, Massachusetts and
In this essay, the author
- Explains that the american family can be defined in as many ways as there are families, but for most people, family is traditionally defined as including his or her biological parents, siblings, and immediate blood relations.
- Compares the 1950's television show leave it to beaver and the brady bunch. both shows depicted different family structures and iconic representations of the traditional and blended family.
- Explains that the blended family evolved from a new found liberation rather than premature death.
- Explains that gays and lesbians have transitioned from the traditional definition of what it means to be part of a family.
- Explains that the blended family is just as american as apple pie, football, and the pursuit of happiness.
1282 wordsRead More - Social Psychology: The Fight For Equal Rightsanalytical essay“Equal rights for lesbians and gay men may be the greatest civil rights battle of the 21st century” (Avery 2007, p. 71). Homosexual couples have been fighting a losing battle for years, and their struggle has recently taken the spotlight once again as a burning topic. Over the years, many people have come to support equal love. However, many Americans still advocate the one man-one woman institution of marriage. The fight for equal rights in general has always been a complex issue. African Americans, women, and many other minorities have had to fight for the rights that they hold today. There are many factors involved in gay activism such as support, attitudes, roles, and the implications of the movement. Social psychology takes a particular interest in gay rights and these factors in particular, as it is a current, controversial topic within American society.
In this essay, the author
- Opines that equal rights for lesbians and gay men may be the greatest civil rights battle of the 21st century.
- Explains that the society for human rights in chicago was established in 1924, and is the earliest gay rights organization.
- Explains that civil unions are a legally recognized form of partnership similar to marriage, but they neglect to give gay couples federal benefits.
- Explains that american attitudes about gay marriage have been changing steadily over the years, and continue to progress toward equality.
- Explains that john brown university forced an assistant professor, jason hough, to resign when they found out he was gay. the employment non-discrimination act does not require religious institutions to follow the rules set by the act.
- Opines that discrimination based on sexual orientation is illegal in oregon, and the case of jason hough illustrates this.
- Explains that gay men and lesbians fight for rights within their relationships and social roles. in the workplace, discrimination against homosexuals occurs often, but bias does exist.
- Analyzes how americans have become more accepting of equal employment rights for gay men and lesbians, as the percentage of respondents who favored such rights increased from a simple majority of 56 percent in 1997 to 86 percent.
- Explains that homosexuals fight to uphold equality in the workplace, as they deal with bias and discrimination from one side, and overwhelming support from another, which can add to their confusion about themselves.
- Explains that many people support homosexual men and women having legal relationships, but many struggle with allowing them to have or adopt children.
- Argues that if the defense of marriage act (doma) is repealed, homosexual marriages will be recognized as legal. however, decisions regarding taxes, benefits, social security, health care coverage, and other "rights" would be difficult and lengthy.
- Explains that social psychology is interested in how people view gay rights and activism, specifically because it addresses topics such as conflict, attitudes, and social influence.
1492 wordsRead More - Families headed by gay and lesbian parents are just as diverse as families led by heterosexual couples (Thompson 36). The only difference in these families is there are two mothers or two fathers. They are seen as “unnatural” by most conservatives and religious organizations and their affiliates (Gateway Child Wellfare Information). The media usually portrays same-sex couples as “white, middle-class, two-parent families who have been together for many years. In actuality, these families are a small percent of the larger LGBTQ family community”. Because of the cultural and societal views of what makes an “ideal family” in the United States as “one mother, one father, and two children,” it is difficult for others to accept those that have two mothers or two fathers. These families are usually started by one parent who “came out” as lesbian or gay after divorcing a husband or wife. Additionally, blended families, which consist of one parent who remarried and the step-parent adopted the child or children that way, through artificial insemination and surrogacy, and there are couples who adopt children from the foster care system and adoption agencies (Thompso...
In this essay, the author
- Explains that adolescents with positive relationships with their parents also had more positive relations with peers, regardless of whether they were heterosexual or gay/lesbian.
- Explains that same-sex families are viewed as non-traditional households and raise their children in the same way as heterosexual parents. the media portrays them as white, middle-class, two-parent families.
- Explains that same-sex parents are more capable of teaching children the necessary skills to deal with ridicule that comes as a result of homophobic attitudes.
- Explains that sexual orientation should not be a deterrent to adoption. the university of new hampshire's "the struggles, experiences and needs of children in lgbtq families."
892 wordsRead More - Gay Marriage Essayanalytical essaySince 1970, the homosexuality movement for same-sex marriage, employment, and military equality has met many goals. According to Dawn Baunach’s article (2012), public attitude toward marriage equality has reversed within the last twenty to thirty years. However, within in the past few years, America has taken strides toward marriage equality, as seen in the results of the General Social Survey. Significant changes of attitude over the time period from 1988 and 2010 introduce fascinating results. Surveyors were asked to agree or disagree on the following statement: “Homosexual couples should have the right to marry one another” (p. 367). In 1988, 71.9% of people disagreed, 15.5% were unsure, and only 12.6% would grant homosexual couples the right to marry. Over time, opinions of the matter have seemed to flip. In 2010, the respondents displayed a very opposite view on the matter. They were as...
In this essay, the author
- Explains that homosexuality has been excluded from social approval throughout the history of mankind. sociologists have considered same-sex marriage from functionalist, conflict, and symbolic-interactionist theories to fully understand the topical problem and generate an effective solution to the problem.
- Analyzes how attitudes towards homosexuality have changed over the years, based on the results of the general social survey.
- Explains that 17 us states have legalized same-sex marriage, while 33 still ban it. the defense of marriage act, or doma, defines marriage as the union of man and woman.
- Explains that the debate is very controversial on both sides, making it hard for the federal government to make a decision that will appease the fiery opinions.
- Explains that sociologists view same-sex marriage from a variety of perspectives, arguing that it is unconstitutional and immoral to strip it from them.
- Explains that the conflict theorists take note of homosexual relationships as a problem in society.
1267 wordsRead More - Gay Marriage: May Anyone Marry Whom They Choose?opinionated essayIf it wasn’t for one mom and one dad none of us would exist. Marriage is defined as “the social institution under which a man and woman establish their decision to live as husband and wife by legal commitments, religious ceremonies, etc” (marriage). Parents have the role to raise their children in love and teach them good values. “They note that violence among homosexual partners is two to three times more common than among married heterosexual couples, and homosexual partnerships are significantly more prone to dissolution than heterosexual marriages, with the average homosexual relationship lasting only two to three years” (Diggs). Children have the right to grow up in a home where there is no abuse taking place, and they feel loved and cared for. “Captain William Riddle of the Los Angeles Police says, ‘30,000 sexually abused children in Los Angeles were victims of homosexuals’” (The Statistics). But that is not how it should be. There is a cycle in life that we should follow. Parents should raise their children and teach them how to survive in the world. Parents should want their children to be raised better than they themselves have been. Society is in need of males and females to commit to each other and have children for the survival of society (Gallagher 71). “There is a notable homosexual group, consisting of thousands of members, known as the North American Man and Boy Love Association (NAMBLA). This is a child molesting homosexual group whose cry is ‘SEX BEFORE 8 BEFORE IT'S TOO LATE’” (The Statistics).
In this essay, the author
- Explains that gay marriage is defined as the social institution under which a man and woman establish their decision to live as husband and wife by legal commitments, religious ceremonies, etc
- Describes the health risks of homosexuality and heterosexuality, including mental illnesses, autoimmune deficiency syndrome, and anal cancer.
- Explains that mental illnesses include depression, suicidal tendencies, and drug abuse in the homosexual population.
- Explains that depression is characterized by a pessimistic sense of inadequacy and despondent lack of activity. it is also caused by the aging homosexual.
- Explains that suicidal tendencies can be caused because their actions are not acceptable by those around them. everyone needs to be loved in life.
- Opines that two homosexuals cannot fulfill their purpose for being. the marriage idea is that children need mothers and fathers, society needs babies, and adults have an obligation to shape their sexual behavior so as to give their children stable families.
- Opines that homosexuals want to have the same rights as heterosexuals in dealing with marriage, legal rights, and acceptance of society.
- Argues that some fallacies in the pro homosexual content are stereotyping that marriage is a place where having children is not only tolerated and encouraged because it gives children mothers and fathers.
- Opines that homosexuality is not a small issue. pro-heterosexual marriage supporters have been fighting for some time. society must come together to not corrupt future children with wrong values and beliefs.
980 wordsRead More - Gay Marriageexplanatory essayThe marital rights of gay couples are violated every day. Thousands of people are affected by same-sex marriage bans worldwide. The most widely approved estimate is that one in twenty people is homosexual (“Do Ask, Do Tell; Gay Statistics” 1). This would mean that 5% of the population of the world, 335 million people, is gay. In the United States alone there are some 780,000 gay couples (“Counting Them In; Gays and the Census” 1). In the 2001 British census, 0.25% of the population identified themselves as part of a same-sex relationship (“Do Ask. . . Statistics” 1). In the 2000 American census, there were around 301,000 households identified with a male householder and male partner, and around 293,000 households identified as having a female householder and female partner (“Unmarried-Partner Households by Sex of Parents” 1). Many school faculty members are homosexual as well. A poll showed that...
In this essay, the author
- Explains that the universal declaration of human rights clearly states that any adult, man or woman, has the right to marry. unfortunately, most countries in the world, including the united states, except one status from this right: homosexuality.
- Estimates that 5% of the world's population, 335 million people, is gay. in the united states alone there are 780,000 gay couples.
- Explains that many oppose gay marriage because of society's portrayal and fear of homosexuality. the public disapproving nature of gays is also a problem. many people are thrown out of their homes, even disowned after coming out.
- Explains that the defense of marriage act (doma) states that homosexual marriages will not be recognized on a federal level.
- Explains that homosexuality is often "scapegoated" for other sexual disorder in the world. the catholic church's condemnation of homosexual acts is an excuse for gay bashing and violence.
- Opines that the opposition to gay marriage comes from the fear of the loss of masculinity. some men think of lesbians as women outside the control of men
- Explains that although many support gay marriage bans, many others want and are trying to get same-sex marriage legalized. massachusetts became the first state to officially legalize homosexual marriage.
- Explains that the public is starting to tolerate, and even support, homosexuality and gay marriage more. a poll by canal plus tv showed that 58% of those polled believe homosexual couples should be allowed to marry
- Explains that the united states government is legally recognizing homosexuals more and more. the supreme court invalidated a law in texas that made sodomy illegal and upheld homosexual couples’ rights to privacy.
- Opines that america needs to lead the worldwide equality movement. it will not be easy, but it must end in victory.
- Explains that the advocate genq poll was 1-2. infotrac student edition. web. 16 feb. 2011.
- Explains that "counting them in; gays and the census." economist 27 june 2009: 1-2. infotrac student edition. web. 16 feb.
- Explains that 41 percent of new yorkers support gay marriage, according to xinhua news agency.
1439 wordsRead More - America should legalize Gay Marriagesanalytical essayIn the wake of the 21st century, one of the issues that have been most troubling for the American administration is same sex marriages. The American population is highly divided over the course to take repeals. However, research has shown that same sex marriages are gaining support across all states. Decriminalization and legalization of the same sex marriages is happening at a fast rate in many nations and many states. The lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community Movement (LGBT) has had several milestones and influences within the United Nation in which the entire European Union and United States support same sex marriages. Gays should not be treated like criminals. Therefore, same sex marriages should be legalized.
In this essay, the author
- Opines that same sex marriages are gaining support across all states. the lgbt community movement has had several milestones and influences within the united nation.
- Opines that a recognition and legalization of the same sex marriages would offer wide variety of benefits to those involved.
- Argues that it is unconstitutional to ban same sex marriages, since it violates the rights of homosexuals.
- Analyzes how karine moe gives readers a mew way of framing the issue.
- Describes the states that allow gay marriage.
- Argues that gay marriages are a reality that the us administration should accept regardless of the political, social or religious orientations.
- Argues that recognition of gay marriages in the united states is a highly contentious issue in this century.
1630 wordsRead More - Should Same-Sex Couples Be Allowed to Adopt?explanatory essayThe same-sex controversy is one of the many results from the slow process of gay marriage becoming legalized in various states across the United States of America. The fight for gay marriage is predated way back to the Stonewall Riots of 1969 (“The Stonewall Riot”). Along with various events in between government officials began to understand that homosexuals are entitled to the right to marry their life partner. In 2012, same-sex marriage became legal in three states ("Same-sex marriage in the United States"). This was the start of a very important change in the LGBT subculture. To date there are a total of 14 states where same-sex marriages are legal ("New Jersey becomes 14th state to legalize gay marriage"). That’s 14 states out of 50 states were gay marriage is legal and other states are looking forward to approving the bill that allows the same-sex marriages (Garcia). Now that the controversy over gay marriage has died down in the me...
In this essay, the author
- Opines that homosexuals have faced many trials and tribulations in pursuit of living a normal and happy life. they argue that same-sex adoption should be legal.
- Explains that the same-sex controversy is one of the many results from the slow process of gay marriage becoming legalized in various states across the united states.
- Explains that social workers are hesitant to allow same-sex adoptions because they wonder how the child will be raised and feel about themselves and the parents being homosexual.
- Opines that homosexual couples should be allowed to adopt children. they believe that everyone deserves to love freely.
- Opines that homosexuals should be allowed to adopt children, even though research is hard to obtain.
- Explains that forman, deborah l., "interstate recognition of same-sex parents in the wake of gay marriage, civil unions, and domestic partnerships." boston college law review.
- States that new jersey becomes the 14th state to legalize gay marriage.
839 wordsRead More