Same

Same This article tries to answer some pertinent issues about the American families. As such, it seeks to illustrate whom the Americans count as family, identify how the Americans perceive their families, and find the public opinion about the American nontraditional families such as same sex marriages (Powell et al. 17).Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Same-sex Relations and Americans’ Definitions of Family specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More In the article, the author asserts that currently there are several differing opinions on what counts as families. The author reaffirmed this opinion when he or she interviewed several family members from both heterosexual and homosexual couples. These family groups comprised of a man and a woman living together with children, a man and a woman living together with no children, a man and woman cohabiting, and homosexual couples. According to the article, the American’s def initions of families can be clustered into three groups. These groups are exclusionists, inclusionists, and moderates. It was found that the dissimilarity among these clusters extend beyond their views on same sex marriage. In the article, the author collected a number of respondents about pertinent issues concerning the American families. Through this, it was found that more individuals agreed that a man, wife, and children count as a family. The second living arrangements that had a number of individuals perceiving them as families were single families. Last in the list was housemates followed by homosexual couples with children. To reaffirm on these claims, the author carried out an independent research and consulted existing family literatures. For instance, the author acknowledges that finding consensus among existing definitions was not an easy task. The article notes that there are disagreements among several academicians indicating that the author relied heavily on previous works before coming to his or her conclusions. Equally, the author mentions several authors of other family related books. Among these authors are Berkowitz, Bernstein, Riemann, Holstein, and many more (Powell et al. 18). This indicates that appropriate evidence was provided for conclusions. In general, the article gave a broad overview of the distinctions that Americans make between families and non-families. The conclusions were drawn after analyzing a unique data set of several respondents. Based on this article, it is apparent that there are several perceptions about families in the American society. As such, it was widely agreed that a family constituted of a couple with their children as compared with couples with no children. Similarly, the article asserts that more Americans use cohabitation and homosexuality as a disqualifier for family status. However, it was worth noting that the number of those who acknowledged homosexual couples with their children as families was on th e rise compared to some few years back.Advertising Looking for essay on social sciences? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More This implies that these types of families are slowly gaining acceptance among the American population. Based on these findings, it can be deduced that in the future the definitions of the American family will differ from the current definitions. In the future, social constructions based on emotional ties will play a major role in defining the American family. During the classroom sessions, the following questions can guide the students in analyzing the article. Whom do Americans count as family? What is the public opinion about the family? Does public opinion indicate a shift toward greater acceptance of homosexual families? Based on the article, can the attributes of America’s future families be deduced? Do public definitions of family translate into views regarding family policy? Bibliogra phy Powell, Brian, Catherine Bolzendahl, Claudia Geist, and Lala Carr Steelman. Counted Out: Same-sex Relations and Americans Definitions of Family . New York: Russell Sage Foundation, 2012. Print. Same Same sex marriage is a moral issue that has raised controversies in many parts of the world. It is popularity referred to as homosexuality. Homosexuality is a condition in which an individual is sexually attracted to members of his or her gender. In a number of countries, same sex marriage has been legalized while some countries are still opposed to the issue.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Same-sex Couples and Marriage: Causes and Claims specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Homosexuality is perceived as a sexual orientation characterized by romantic or sexual desire towards members of own sex. A gay is a male homosexual while a lesbian is a female homosexual. Scholars of sociology observe that a number of factors cause homosexuality (Gary 21). A study conducted in the US in 1940 concluded that individuals decide to engage in sexual behaviors with members of their own sex because of social and psychological factors. For instance, the early experiences of homosexuality might predispose an individual to homosexual behaviors. Research shows that children who are abused sexuality have high chances of becoming homosexuals. Moreover, poor relationships with parents might force children to engage in homosexuality. Some homosexuals claim that they were born that way meaning that their sexual behavior is influenced by genetics. Some individuals are influenced by friends to become homosexuals while others become homosexuals due to unusual sexual experiences in children, such as excessive masturbation, exposure to pornography, personalized sex, group sex, and bitter experiences in relationships. Cultural factors can as well influence an individual to become a homosexual. Presence of homosexuals in the family can influence young members to follow the same way. In most Asian countries that subscribe to Confucianism, homosexuality is tolerated. Even though homosexuality is considered abnormal in most countries, some countries have legalized same sex marriage. Countries that condemn homosexuality do not crack down on homosexuals, but they have tough laws that prohibit same sex marriage. In some countries such as Uganda and Zimbabwe, homosexuals are perceived as people with low self-esteem and are ranked lower than dogs and pets. Same sex marriage is prepared because heterosexuality is believed to be oppressive to women. Feminist scholars observe that men are always unfair to them in heterosexual relationships. From a human rights perspective, crusaders of homosexuality note that same sex marriage is an individual freedom. Denying individuals to marry partners of their choice amount to discrimination and injustice. In this regard, human rights movements have been pressurizing states to allow homosexuality and same sex marriages (Layte 78). In fact, the UK and the US slapped economic sanctions to countries that will discriminate homosexuals. In the modern society, homosexuals are treated in the same way as other minorities.Advertising Looking for essay on gender studies? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Since an individual has the right to privacy, same sex marriage should be allowed because grownups should be allowed to practice things that satisfy them. As long as people agree to have consensual sex, the state or society should not interfere. However, the act should always be done in privacy. Some observe that same sex marriage and homosexuality is a human innovation that leads to happiness. Homosexuality is human creativity that can increase happiness among individuals. Since homosexuality is genetic, some scholars note that homosexuals should be allowed to marry. Various studies show that homosexuality is a condition that cannot be controlled. Therefore, allowing homosexuals to marry will be doing justice to them. Even though various groups have raised several claims, many states are reluctant to all ow same sex marriage. Gary, John. Same-sex Couples and the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual Population: New Estimates from the American Community Survey. New York The Williams Institute on Sexual Orientation Law and Public Policy, 2010. Print. Layte, Rubin. The Irish study of sexual health and relationships. Dublin: Crisis Pregnancy Agency, 2006. Print. Same Introduction Same sex marriage can be defined as that union, which takes place between two people who belong to the same social gender or similar biological sex. On the other hand, the concept gay is used when referring to a person who is a homosexual. The term that is used to refer to homosexuality dates back to the late nineteenth century, but it has been widely made use of in the twentieth century.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Same-Sex Couples Should Enter Into Legally Recognized Unions? specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The term gay can as well be used to refer to those people, especially men and the cultural practices, which are associated to homosexuality. These groups of people share a common characteristic and lifestyle since they are attracted to the individuals of the same sex. Another term that is linked to the concept of homosexuality is lesbian. The term lesbian is used in describing people who have ro mantic and sexual desire among females. Lesbians are women who are sexually attracted to other females. This group of women pursues the freedom of practicing homosexuality. In fact, many people consider the lesbian relationship to be of lesser harm than that of the heterosexuals. The term heterosexual relationship is one that exists between members of different sex, such as a relationship between a man and a woman. The question, debate and politics of same sex marriage have been in the public domain for quite a long time in America. This has seen the emergence of two schools of thought, namely the proponents of same sex marriage who generally include gays and lesbians and their opponents. However, gays and lesbians suffered their biggest blow of all times on the morning of 3rd November, 2004 which saw the reflection of George W Bush and the consequent passage of the anti-gay amendments as wide as eleven states (Mirriam 34). Discussion The bottom line being â€Å"Moral values† (Mirriam 74).The major concern is whether morality and ethical values be enough to discriminate this particular social groups, or should one’s sexual orientation accord hi or her state discrimination whereby the state prohibits to accord any form of recognition to same sex- marriage. Before coming with a clear stand it is important to weigh the extent to which same sex marriage can be considered evil and whether or not they should be accorded. Many opponents of same sex marriage are always concerned with how and where the couples of same sex marriage get their children. One of the most common sources is through the viro-technology that will see a possibility of women renting their womb, or even exchange their ova to create a complex and complicated manner of familiar relation all in an attempt to get babies. This also brings about the controversial question of test- tube babies which is greatly criticized for degrading the value of humanity. Same-sex couples in America engag e in such endevour in an attempt to get their own flesh and blood kids, and this desperate measures can be said to be the cause of their opposition (Cott 57).Advertising Looking for essay on gender studies? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The gay and lesbian society is considered as a minority. However, the numbers cannot be taken for granted according to the Williams institute at the UCLA Law school there are an estimated 9 million gay and lesbians in America by 2011.This is 3.8%of the American population .with a total of 770,000 couples of same sex already living together (Cott 96). Why should we then formalize their relationship? The problem why many people cannot accept same sex marriage is based on the fact that many define marriage as a legal and religious commitment between a man and a woman thus many are not able to accept same sex marriage Proponents of same sex marriage do argue that the United states const itution clearly states that an individual religious affiliation or lack of it must be at all times protected. By this they attempt to tell of those who see same sex marriage as a sin. Therefore, denying them legal marriage means that their religious freedom is denied as no one should be forced to be part of a particular religious belief. Therefore, they should be allowed (Coontz 974). The proponents of same sex marriage go ahead to argue that nobody should be hurt by the marriage of two people. It is simply a relationship and nobody else’s business as it is a personal commitment and the concerned persons feel that if the church or some particular groups of people do not agree with the act, it is their right to express their dissatisfaction, but not to go ahead and stop it. Marriage is considered to be more than just a status legal it comes with many things that affect the society such as insurance benefits, tax filling status, joint property ownership, and agency law (Coontz 977). Critical medical decision that might need an immediate family member or a spouse to approve denies the same sex marriage the opportunity to be considered as a legal union. This makes the gay or lesbians to be in a difficult situation since it is against the societal norms and cultural values for the same sex proponents to demand some legal recognition. In fact, the economic situations nowadays require both help and support from both the husband and wife, that is, those who are married share bills on utilities. Just like those who are married, same sex couples need to support each other in difficult times, thus it becomes very necessary that they are legally bound as husband and wife. Therefore, it should be a clear message to those who are opposed to same sex marriage to understand their humanity (Coontz 978).Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Same-Sex Couples Should Enter Into Legally Recognized Unions? specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Those who argue that same sex marriage leads to eroded family values are not in any way honest. Same sex marriage, just like man-woman marriage would encourage the couples to settle down and avoid having sex with other people. Therefore, gays and lesbians should be allowed to enter in legal relationships and settle down (Segura 190). As discussed above, morality and ethics should not be the basis of any relationship. Indeed, the most important thing in marriage is love that is constantly nurtured between the couples in a legalized union. Therefore, people who feel attracted to one another, and are in genuine relationship that is full of love and joy should be allowed to willingly express their love, and possibly get in a marriage union (Segura 192). The fact that gay and lesbian people are denied an opportunity to legalize their marriage means that a minority group of individuals are being discriminated, that is, contrary to the American foundation of respe ct for the rights of the minority. This is why crucial acts such as the anti-slavery act were put in place. Therefore, it is important to accord every individual his/her basic right (Mirriam 121). It is such a great deal a state like Massachusetts, by 2004 granted same sex marriage legal status (Segura 189). This means that the same sex couples file joint tax returns back to the state. Since this revenue goes towards funding the government budget expenditure it is not fair for the federal government to refuse to legalize same sex marriages. The bureaucracy that same sex couples have to go through is always not justified, it is a tedious, time consuming and discriminatory since the couples are required to fill many forms. These trends limit same sex marriages, and the federal government should take into account that all these groups of people are law abiding citizens who remit their taxes without fail. Therefore, the federal government might not have a valid reason to justify why it does not formalize the same sex marriages. Conclusion In fact, it is clear that the fate of the same sex couples is appalling; there is absolutely nothing to be admired. The couples undergo unfair treatment, even though they are law abiding citizens who remit their taxes to the government in time. Moreover, in the recent past, things have changed a great deal since what was considered â€Å"immoral† in the last century is never the same to date. This is because the same sex marriages were considered immoral in the past, but currently the society is slowly transforming to accept such changes. Therefore, the federal government of the United States should legalize the union of the same sex couples and allow them to conduct their lives like any other citizens.Advertising Looking for essay on gender studies? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Coontz, Stephanie. The World Historical Transformation of Marriage. New York, NY: National Council on Family RelationsNational Council on Family Relations, 2004. Print. Cott, N. Public Vows: A History of Marriage and the Nation. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 2000. Print. Mirriam, Smith. The Politics of Same-Sex Marriage in Canada and the United States. Ontario: Broadview Press, 2005. Print. Segura, Gary, M. A Symposium on the Politics of Same-Sex Marriage: An Introduction and Commentary. New York, NY: American Political Association, 2005. Print.