The Same Sex Couples Raising Children - Essay Example

The study is focused on the same-sex couples raising children. The main objective of the paper is to present the different perspectives of the media regarding the issue. The issue has been analyzed through the presentation of the different factors affecting same-sex couples and their capability to adopt and raise children. The media representations on the issue and the effects of being raised by same-sex parents were also presented. Lastly, the issue had been analyzed through the social perspective of the queer theory and the postmodern theory. The issues related to same-sex couple are included in the most controversial and current concerns in the society in the past few years. From the issues of acceptance of the same-sex couples to the laws related to marriage, every subject matter had been greatly discussed and sensationalized. To be able to achieve a certain level of awareness on the different dynamics in the social context, the paper is aimed to present the views of various forms of media on one of the important issues related to same-sex relationships, which is the manner they raise children and the processes related in terms of legal, social, ethical and cultural aspects. Background of the Study The issues related to same-sex couples are included in the main concerns in the society. Raising children for same-sex couples is the main focus of the study because one phase considered by these couples in establishing a family is having children and eventually raising and supporting them. Such issue is being faced by different countries. In the United States, the Census of 2000 had recorded 594,000 households with unmarried same-sex couples. Even prior to the implementation of the law that allowed the marriage of same-sex couples, 39% of these households have children aged 18 and below (Sears, Gates and Rubenstein, 2005). There are different aspects of the issue on raising children by same-sex couples. One of the important aspects is adoption of the child for the same-sex couples specifically the gay couples. Different countries implement different laws regarding the process. In 2000, the states of Arkansas, Florida, Mississippi and Utah prohibited adoption of children to gay parents. On the other hand, countries in Europe such as Denmark, Norway and Iceland had been legally open to adoption of children to same-sex couples. In fact, in the UK in October 2000, adoption of children was even promoted to gay couples. It was also legally implemented through the Adoption and Children Act of 2002 for the unmarried couples in England and Wales (Sullivan, 1995; Tasker and Golombok, 1997). The legal aspect can be considered as the primary matter that is needed to be resolved prior to other aspects such as cultural and social factors that can affect the growth of the child. In states and countries allowing legal adoption of children to same-sex couples, both parents are considered as legal parents. Thus, they are responsible for the well-being and provision of the rights of the children such as basic needs and education. Legal adoption then covers the different types of adoptions such as children related to one of the partners or non-related children adopted through institutions. Basically, states in America that allow same-sex marriage can be considered to have legal provisions regarding the adopting and raising children (Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders, 1999). Upon the determination of the legal aspects of raising children, other issues such as the social, cultural and psychological aspects are then considered. But these aspects can significantly be affected by the manner the issue is presented by the different forms of media. For that matter, the study is aimed to analyze the issue as given by the media and perceived by the public. Different Forms of Media and the Presentation of the Issue There are different active media that can affect the public today. The age of information technology can then be translated as a powerful factor that can greatly affect the way people live their lives specifically the norms and views of the society. The issues revolving around the same-sex right to raise children is one of the issues that is very well discussed and presented by the different forms of media which include television, world wide web, newspapers and radio. These media presented both fair and biased views which can affect the public positively or negatively. When an issue is presented fairly, the subjectivity of opinions is in the hands of the audience while if the issue is presented on a one-sided or hypercritical manner, the audience can be affected more actively due to the element of persuasion. In the US, there same sex parenting can be considered to have greater resistance. This can be observed in the media coverage. Although certain media companies present fair reports, other social groups and media companies are commonly criticizing the issue. On example of media company that presented both sides is CNN, a television station with world wide web audience and supporters at the same time. CNN had presented different programs related to the manner by which same-sex couples raise children. Included in the said programs are In America’s Gary and Tony Have a Baby and different documentaries and stories within the special Gay in America. These programs which are represented in the television as well as the internet presented both sides of the issues. In the online interface, supporters and critics of same-sex parents can be seen and observed through comments due to CNN’s presentation of a fair perspective on the issue (CNN, 2010). On the other hand, other media groups such as the WorldNetDaily.com and the Fox Nation presented critical statements and news reports against the bad effects of exposing children to “homosexual lifestyle” such as gay celebrations (Frisch, 2010; Schilling, 2010). In the UK, the society can be considered to be more open to the issue. For that matter, the media can present both sides of the issue. The gay community had already created a niche in the society. As an example, a website for referred to as UK Gay News had been established to present updates and media coverage reports about the gay community. Included are legal rights and other issues on same-sex marriages and relationships UK Gay News (2010). Basically, the opinions of the public can be related to the effects of guidance given by the same-sex parents to the child. For that matter, the discussion of the effects of same-sex parenting as presented in different forms of media is also important in the issue. Effects of Same-Sex Parenting as Presented by the Media Although both groups are affected by the scenario, the couples can be considered as the responsible ones in the set-up. In adopting and raising children, the same-sex couples are ready to face the different types of trials. Thus, in such cases, the children are considered to be more susceptible to the different effects of having same-sex couples as parents. Even in the present era wherein same-sex marriages are allowed by certain nations and states, prejudices and criticisms are still common. These social treatments and views can affect the development of the children. This is even intensified by the manner the media present the issue. But to be able to fully understand the impact of parenting of same-sex couples, it is equally important to present the factors inside the home rather than the factors in the social environment. The Positive Effects The positive effects of same-sex parenting are related to the recognition of the fact that same-sex couples can provide the same level of care and support as the heterosexual parents. In the study undertaken by Tasker and Golombok, the two sides affecting the child development were explored through in depth studies of cases of 25 children who had been raised by lesbian couples. The study presented important conclusions. In terms of the guidance and care for the children, the authors concluded that there are no significant differences in the manner same-sex couples raise their children as compared to heterosexual parents. The authors even observed that lesbian couples can provide twice the motherly care as compared to heterosexual couples (Tasker and Golombok, 1997). Even the occurrence of psychological problems can be similarly observed in both heterosexual and same-sex parenting. It is important to consider that the children’s susceptibility to social antagonism then cannot be related to the parents that raised them. But the awareness of issues of sexuality and sexual orientation can be one of these factors which can either make the child psychologically and socially stronger or weaker to face trials and problems (Tasker and Golombok, 1997). In another study, one observation presented is the preference of certain adoption institutions to choose same-sex couples, single gays or single lesbians due to their dedication in caring and raising children specifically for those with special needs. In addition, it is a common notion that these individuals who are interested to adopt and raise children have emotional and moral support from extended family members, financial stability and sensitivity to guide the children as they grow up (Brodzinsky and Palacios, 2005). CNN recognized the capability of same sex couples in parenthood, thus, the documentary entitled Gary & Tony Have a Baby came about. This is story of the journey and challenges faced by same-sex couple Gary and Tony on establishing a family. They got married in Canada and fulfilled the dream of becoming parents through surrogacy and in vitro fertilization (CNN, 2010). With the social, financial and psychological hindrances that same-sex couples have to face to have children, it is fair to view that they are capable parents and they can positively contribute to the welfare of the children. The Negative Effects The negative effects of same-sex couples raising children can be considered to have more attention rather than the positive effects due to the view of the society regarding the issue. This then ultimately lead to the repercussions on the growth and development of the children. Although studies presented that challenges and prejudices can happen to children in school and society regardless of the type of family they came from, having same-sex couples as parents can increase the pressure of interacting with other people even more. For that matter, the factors outside the home can be considered to have more negative effects to the development of the children than the factors inside the home (Sullivan, 1995; Tasker and Golombok, 1997). The effects of social prejudice had been presented as a major challenge to the success of the children in social interactions and in achieving goals in life. The sad truth regarding the matter is that the negative effects that the society can cause can be intensified by the views and representations of the media. Based on the research reported in the Victorian Association of Family Therapists, children of same-sex couples are not disadvantaged, thus, society need not judge them. There is no significant relevance on the sexual orientation of the parents and the future success of he children (Tauber, 2004). Another possible negative effect is in terms of the nurturing that can be given by the same-sex couples. A child needs the images of both the father and the mother to be able to optimize the development specifically during the formative years. In this case, the heterosexual couples can be considered more adequate to for child rearing. Prior to the consciousness of the children on the social factors, the formative years inculcate family values. Growing with same-sex parents can result to confusion later in the child development due to the inevitable observance of the different with other children. Although the society is more open to same-sex partnership, marriage and parenting, it is still not the norm, thus, alienation unavoidable (Brodzinsky and Palacios, 2005). Based on the story published in WorldNetDaily.com and the Fox Nation, the focus on bad effects of exposing children to “homosexual lifestyle” such as gay celebrations had been stressed to have a possibility of affecting the development of the children (Frisch, 2010; Schilling, 2010). This type of prejudice is common regardless of the research results indicating otherwise (Tauber, 2004). Upon the determination of the different perspectives related to the issue on same-sex couples raising children, it is important to critically analyse the issue. This is through the application of two sociological perspectives. Analysis of the Issue on the Basis of Different Social Perspectives There are two social theories that can be related to the issue of same-sex couples raising children namely the queer theory and the postmodern theory. These views can also be related to the view of the public and the representation of the different forms of media. Perspective of through the Queer Theory Queer theory is a social theory that deals with the process of defining social relationships and interactions based on factors other than the biological or psychological factors which can be considered as common parameters such as gender or age. The queer theory is also aimed to end putting permanent classifications and social terms and identities to people that can often affect their personalities and behaviours (Van Krieken et al., 2006). Through the perspective of the queer theory, the division between same-sex and heterosexual couples is removed. These individuals who are working hard to raise children can be referred to as parents. In this case, the stigmata that children experience in the society can be lessened. Basically, the queer theory can be considered as a liberating social theory. This type of innovative thinking is needed to be able to free people from the pressures set by stereotypes and labels that already became the norm in the society. Perspective through the Postmodern Theory The postmodern social theory is another perspective that can be used to understand and analyse the issue understudy. Postmodern theory challenges the systematized body of social knowledge by focusing on the uniqueness and individuality of social phenomena instead of creating social laws and theories based on generalizations. Thus, it can also be considered as a liberating perspective in the social context (Van Krieken et al., 2006). In the issue of same-sex couples’ child raising the postmodern theory can present an important perspective that hinders prejudice. This can be attributed to the fact that parenting is based on the capacity of the person to care, to support and to guide the child and not based on sexual orientation or gender. The said view encourages people to prove their own point and to stand their own ground since the theory hinders stereotypical prejudices and stratifications. Based on the definition of the two types of social perspectives, there is a manner of interaction and communication that prevents prejudice and alienation. Through the perspectives of the two social theories, alternative ways to see the stratified society can be achieved. In the media, the issues on same-sex couples and their parenting capabilities are still controversial and often presented with prejudice but society is opening up to the new perspective on the issues of same-sex couples and their capabilities to take care and raise children. The media then can contribute on either in improving the perspective of the public to the issue of same-sex parenting or in continuously creating prejudices toward same-sex couples. On a personal view, my preference is the queer theory perspective due to the reorganization and reformation of the limiting structures set by the social theories and laws. Although the organized structure of concepts create order, it also hinder the people by attaching them to social issues and marking them with terms that can separate them from others. In terms of the different media, they should be the tool in presenting the real issues in the society but they can never contribute to the negative forces that can affect not only the same-sex parents but the children that they are taking care of. Conclusion In conclusion, there are risks on the welfare of the child regardless of the choice made and one of the greatest risks is the prejudice of the society. Upon the presentation of the issue on same-sex couples raising children and the role that the different forms of media have in terms of the opinions of the society, there are questions left to answer and queries left to explore. Which is more important, giving shelter and love to children through the same-sex couples while risking social prejudice? Or sparing the children from prejudice while denying them the chance to be taken care of by the same-sex couples? In terms of the media, do the responsibilities of presenting a fair issue solely on their hands and that society just depends on them? References Brodzinsky, D. and Palacios, J. (2005). Psychological issues in adoption: research and practice. Greenwood Publishing Group. CNN (2010). Gay in America. Retrieved September 3, 2010, from http://edition.cnn.com/SPECIALS/in.america/gay.in.america/ Frisch, K. (2010, June 25). CNN’s Gay In America Coverage Continues with “The gay Brady Bunch Family.” Retrieved September 3, 2010 from http://mediamatters.org/blog/201006250041 Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders (1999). Protecting families: standards for child custody in same-sex relationships. Boston: GLAD. Rivers, I., Poteat, V.P. and Noret, N. (2008). Victimization, social support, and psychosocial functioning among children of same-sex and opposite-sex couples in the United Kingdom. Brunei University School of Sport & Education. Schilling, C. (2010, June 23). Queerly Beloved: ‘Homo Depot? 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