Diversity in Marriage: Gender and Sexual Orientations - Essay Example

Diversity in Marriage Summary of the Article An article written by Jost (2003) proffered pertinent concerns surrounding the controversial issue on gay marriage. The discourse was published in the CQ Researcher on the 5th of September 2003. From among the most crucial arguments that were discussed, the topics on the benefits of recognizing same sex unions; effect of same sex marriage to the traditional heterosexual marriages; and the more sensitive subject of determining the effect of the union to children when raised in a homosexual household were further expounded. Proponents of gay marriage have emphasized the benefits of the union in terms of providing opportunities to strengthen homosexual relationships and “provide concrete legal protections and economic benefits” (Jost, 2003, p. 723). The advocates of gay marriage averred that by legalizing same sex marriages, same sex relationships are legitimatized. Various studies have acknowledged that contemporary societies recognized the existence of same sex unions whether they are legalized or denied legal rights to unite. By promoting the legality of same sex unions, the values of accepting their partnership as a reality of life that continues to exist in social circles the world over are validated. Jost (2003) further expounded on stressing that through the approval of same sex marriages, heterosexual marriages are neither harmed nor compromised in any way; but would strengthen homosexual relationships, as initially disclosed. The proponents of same sex marriage and their supporters have argued that legitimizing same sex unions would not affect or influence the rate of matrimony or the incidence of divorce. At the current status, Jost (2003) averred that the United States has exhibited one of the highest divorce rates among the industrialized nations with rates of one third to almost one half of those married ending in break up or divorce (p. 728). By allowing gay marriages, homosexual couples could prove that their relationships could surpass rates of survival of possibly staying together longer than traditional heterosexual relationships. Finally, another controversial issue within gay marriage is raising children within the homosexual environment. More than the benefit of acknowledging the adoption of children, the author cited the U.S. Census Bureau (2000) as disclosing that current statistics reveal that 43% of unmarried couples have children, where 22.3% are same sex male couples and 34.3% are same sex female couples (Jost 725). At this rate, through allowing same sex couples to marry, the best interests of the children are taken into consideration. As emphasized by Jost (2003), “same sex marriage advocates note that virtually all states permit – any many encourage – adoption of children by gay or lesbian parents because it helps relieve the burdens on overcrowded and underfunded state foster-care systems” (p. 732). Likewise, there have been social sciences studies proving that “children raised in homosexual households do as well as children from heterosexual households. Gay people make fit and loving parents, and the children raised show happy, health lives” (p. 732). These relevant issues provide support for gay marriage through highlighting the benefits that could be accorded to the homosexual couples themselves and to the children they propose to raise. Further, as the fact revealed that these unions would not, in any way, compromise heterosexual marriages, the long-term benefits therefore give credence to leaning towards seeking approval to legitimize same sex marriages. As emphasized by Knox and Schacht (2009), “although gay marriage will remain controversial, each year, more states will legalize same-sex marriage” (p. 586) after closely evaluating the benefits it accords to all parties involved. Critique of the Article The author was highly effective in presenting balanced arguments on gay marriage. There were several reported arguments that proponents of same sex marriage revealed. Likewise, contentions of advocates of traditional heterosexual marriage were also proffered with valid support and citations from academic sources. The article itself, being published in a reputable publication, was perceived as credible and reliable. The CQ Researcher was disclosed to be published by the Congressional Quarterly Inc. that won as award for excellence from the Society of Professional Journalists and the 2002 American Bar Association Silver Gavel Award (Jost 721). The article was structured in a vivid yet professional style that integrated narrative discourse with statistics, photos, visual illustrations in bar charts form, among other special features and stories. The author, Kenneth Jost, was the associate editor of the publication and was reported to have graduated from the Harvard College and Georgetown University Law Center, where he works as an adjunct professor (Jost 743). The discourse was supported by more than 37 authoritative sources and more selected sources from books, articles, reports and studies. In this regard, the vast amount of credible and verifiable information was extensive and comprehensive that increased the validity of the contents. The only other weakness of using information from this source as a citation in future or current research on the subject is the applicability of current statistics. Since the article was published in 2003, the information and statistics presented need to be updated. The data on support for gay relationships, average percentage of U.S. households with children under 18, and even the accurate rate of divorce require updating to current timeframe. An additional support from the previous sources of information could also be used to locate current statistics on the specific areas of discussion. The information contained in the article likewise revealed consistency and parallelism to the information discussed by Knox and Schact (2009) on the future of marriage and the family. The issue on the children, for instance, as discussed in the textbook indicates that “although most children will continue to be born into married, two-parent homes, conceiving and rearing children outside legal marriage into single parent families (both heterosexual and homosexual) will be increasingly accepted. Children born to married couples will not be immune to being reared in single-parent families because between 40 percent and 45 percent of their parents will divorce” (Knox and Schact 586). This fact confirms the increasing acceptance by society of homosexual unions, especially in terms of child rearing. One honestly believes that parents, regardless of their gender or sexual orientation, are good parents and have only the best interests of their children in mind. Today’s generation has observed that when children are exposed to situations that are far from traditional, these children are more prepared to be oriented to diverse opportunities for wider and broader perspectives in lives. The more crucial issue is that these children are raised in an encouraging and supportive environment that would accord privileges for personal and eventually, professional growth. When children see that their parents (regardless of gender) show them love, support and respect and provide them with positive encouragement to excel and achieve something good in their lives, then, the elements and characteristics expected of good parents are sustained and manifested through these children’s future years. Finally, as societies have increasing promoted equality and diversity in culture, in terms of employment and in delving into various endeavors, it is just proper and appropriate to accept diversity in marriage: whether the issue is accepting interracial marriage, marriage across religions, or gender and sexual orientations. The article has been highly beneficial in providing balanced information of arguments in favor or against same sex marriages with support from an extensive roster of authoritative and academic sources. Readers of the article would truly appreciate the contents with valid and credible backing from solid research. It is no wonder that the publication won a reputable award for excellence in the field of professional journalism. Works Cited Knox, D. and Schacht, C. Choices in Relationship: An Introduction. Tenth edition. California: Wadsworth, Cengage Learning Inc. 2009. Jost, K. Gay Marriage. Retrieved August 17, 2011, from CQ Researcher. 2003. Web. 2011 September 27. http://www.princeton.edu/~ccameron/KoreaIIE/IIE337/CaseClass4.pdf Read More