Same-Sex Unions and Their Impact on Marriage and Family Life in the US Society - Research Paper Example

Same-Sex Unions and Their Impact on Marriage and Family Life in the US Society of Same-Sex Unions and Their Impact on Marriage and Family Life in the US Society: Introduction: A consensual relationship or union between two people of the same sex defines a same-sex union. Despite having attracted an avalanche of crushing criticism from various sources for past many years, same-sex marriage or union is a subject which enjoys a more tolerable and progressive treatment in the present contemporary age. Many factors have played a decisive role in restructuring the US society in respect to homosexuality and same-sex unions. This modification of the common public and society in America is an open proof of how far we have come as a nation in terms of modernity and toleration. Same-sex union is a social issue of staggering importance in the US society because a significant percentage of public still considers homosexuality a disturbingly controversial topic which poses a potential threat to wellbeing of their society. America grants homosexuals a broad range of rights and privileges which are unheard of anywhere else. However, a certain amount of conflict also comes along with these rights and privileges. This conflict serves to create chaos in society on different important levels. Basically, this research paper seeks to scrutinize the extent to which same-sex unions in the US society can be held responsible for making contributions in disrupting marriage and family life. Following discussion will explicate the impact produced by same-sex unions in context of the US society primarily, while drawing on evidence from both historical and modern accounts pertaining to this particular social issue. Exploration of historical and current status of same-sex unions in the US: The issue of same-sex union used to be perceived in a whole different light in the past, like in the 50s or 60s, than how it is perceived presently. Research confirms that “many Americans of this era feared and loathed anything that challenged social norms” (Kuhn, 2011, p. 36). So, people with same-sex preferences were in a profoundly bad shape back then. Many spent their whole lives entrapped in the clutches of sheer terror. Social disapproval of same-sex unions was not limited to verbal abuse only, rather it extended to heavy physical abuse if anyone was as much as suspected of same-sex preferences. Commenting on homosexuality from a historical perspective, Yi et al. (2014) claims that same-sex unions continued to be characterized as sinful acts of extreme proportions until the late 20th century. From being labelled a deviant behaviour to an underground activity to a mental illness, homosexuality has suffered much in the past (Perry & Perry, 2009, p. 252). However, it is important to analyse different mechanisms underlying social disapproval regarding homosexuality before exploring public’s opinion about it in the past. These mechanisms are of intricate complexity and they help to understand why homosexuals used to be treated in a manner which is characterized by atrocity and brutality in the past. People engaged in same-sex unions were not deemed appropriate by society many years ago because they appeared to challenge the widely accepted definition of a good marriage in the US. Religious and political leaders even pushed for imprisonment and execution of homosexuals (Yi et al., 2014). This explains why gay rights advocates stayed silent until the mid-1990s because of their fear of protesting in a country in which the majority’s religious beliefs stood against same-sex marriage (Dorf & Tarrow, 2014, p. 450). Same-sex unions were criminalized and polluted because they posed a threat to the concept of a nuclear family which created pandemonium in society. However, homosexual people in the past held onto their strengths despite brash treatment believing that if social relationships can undergo transition, then “society’s treatment of homosexual men and women also could change” (Weeks, cited in Licata & Petersen, 2013, p. 218). Current status of same-sex unions in the US stands in stark contrast to that in the past. Much has been written by researchers to demonstrate this difference complete with all necessary embellishments to the world. For example, Proposition 8 banned gay marriages in California (Barmann, 2013). Lifting this ban from same-sex marriage in June 2013 by the US Supreme Court is just one example of how different is the current status of same-sex unions in America from how it was a couple decades ago. The Supreme Court not only legalized same-sex marriage in California, but also obsoleted the federal law of 1996 that obstructed provision of any benefits to the gay couples (Mears, 2013). This is a milestone for the advocates of gay rights in America. It is important to appreciate why these steps were taken by the US government. These steps were taken because the US society has undergone metamorphoses over the changing times. The way different social issues used to be conventionally perceived has changed. This is because in place of conformity, individuality has arrived. Media has played a great role in metamorphosing the US society. This is because positive depiction of homosexuality or same-sex relationships has become increasingly common in the US shows over passing years. The US media represents same-sex relationships in a positive light which identifies underlying sociocultural transitions. Such transitions in culture have urged people to embrace homosexual behaviour, while also creating new opportunities for gay representation in Hollywood which is something that was virtually unimaginable in the past (McGovern, 2011). This means that people in America now enjoy substantial freedom to voice their individual opinions regarding different social issues like same-sex unions. Not any conservative or homophobic group can impose its ideals on the rest of the society now because like in the past, people do not have a crippling fear of social rejection. Family laws, policies, and/or pending legislation related to same-sex unions: The Supreme Court has struck down congressional legislation that popularized and promoted good old definition of marriage based on a union of one man and one woman, while hearing the United States v. Windsor case in 2013. The court declared that restricting the meaning of “marriage” and “spouse” in a way which allowed their application only to heterosexual unions is unconstitutional as per the Section 3 of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) (Yoshino, 2014). In other words, American Supreme Court has already given permission for legalizing same sex unions across America. However, it is the duty of each state in America to decide whether same sex union should be legalized or not in their territory since marriage laws come under the jurisdiction of states. The Supreme Court has declared that the ‘one man-one woman’ marriage concept is orthodox and primitive which is why it needs to be revised. The union should be between two humans irrespective of gender, racial, religious, or any other differences. Pending legislations related to same-sex unions stem from criticisms. For example, one of the major criticisms against same sex unions identifies that such unions fail to satisfy a bodily union requirement of a normal marriage. Critics believe that “same-sex couples cannot realize bodily union in their sexual activities and thus cannot meet the structural requirements of marriage” (Johnston, 2013, p. 288). But, it should be remembered that the concept of bodily union is different for different people. Same sex couples believe that they can unite both in bodies and in soul just like heterosexual couples. However, critics of same sex unions never accept this argument since their concept of body union is different from that of the same sex couples. Analysis of the positive and negative impact of same-sex unions on families and society: Review of existing body of literature suggests that many people in same-sex unions handle their relationships more wisely than heterosexual partners. Homosexuals typically tend to take a more prudent approach toward sustaining their marital relationships which also results in a higher rate of satisfaction and fulfilment. Hence, conflicts are reduced in number. Research also claims that “same-sex couples report less conflict than heterosexual couples, more relationship satisfaction, and better conflict resolution” (Hutchison, 2011, p. 338). The more conflicts arise in a relationship, the more susceptible it becomes to destruction. Such damaged relationships have a negative influence just like divorce on society. A research study conducted by Kurdek and Schmitt based on a comparison of heterosexual couples with gay and lesbian couples also revealed that among all couples analysed, “heterosexual cohabitors were the least satisfied” (cited in Helgeson, 2006, p. 413). This shows that same-sex unions exert a positive influence on families because gay or lesbian parents enjoy a remarkable level of personal satisfaction due to a reduced level of domestic arguments. Feeling this way for parents is critically important for good organized upbringing of their children. This is how same-sex unions positively influence families. At the same time, it should be noted that some people get psychological pleasure only from same sex unions because of genetic factors. So, when such people are allowed to establish same-sex unions, it positively affects society and people themselves also because they are exempted from the ordeal of living a life of secrecy. Research claims that living a life of secrecy can take an immense psychological toll on a person, while also damaging his/her relationship (Occupy Theory, 2014) Critics on grounds of same-sex parenting issues have written much to raise awareness about myriad negative outcomes resulting from same-sex unions on families and society in general. Upbringing of children by gay parents has been repeatedly questioned by critics. For example, it is claimed that “gay parents will raise gay children, since straight parents only raise straight children” (Djwudi, 2014). Children are not intentionally brought up by their parents to be gay or straight, but gay families owing to significant lack of social recognition negatively influence children. Research confirms that one of the biggest issues related to same-sex parenting is the lack of legal recognition awarded to same-sex couples (Raising Children Network, 2013). This lack of recognition can have detrimental effects on minds of both gay parents and their children. Same-sex families should not be disparaged. But, this fact also cannot be ignored that in these families “as is seen often with adopted children, the yearning for connection to one’s biological parents is intense” (Root, 2010, p. xix). So, children are exposed to risk of suffering because they remain unsure of their roots and reality. Absence of a real father or a real mother makes for a negative atmosphere no matter how much love is provided by same-sex couples to children. Research also confirms this argument claiming that boys or girls not living with their real fathers or mothers are put at a higher risk of “atypical gender-role development” (White, Livesey & Hayes, 2012, p. 329). This suggests that such children can possibly grow up to demonstrate defiant behaviors which do not sit well with society. Conclusion: Concluding, same-sex unions form a subject which will possibly always remain open to debate. Much has been written about it in the past and if it is compared with what contemporary research has to say on this subject, one realizes that the US society has undergone a significant transition. Many legislatures have passed to benefit gays and lesbians in America and they have also actually advantaged many across the country. But, it cannot be claimed with certainty that social psyche has transformed completely. A metamorphosis has occurred on a social, political, and public level, but it should be remembered that it has occurred to a certain extent. Also, research only assumes and has not been able to confirm as yet that children brought up by same-sex unions essentially turn out to be less healthy than those raised by hetero parents. Parenting in a same-sex relationship is not an easy job, but it is not any easier for hetero couples also. There have been improvements in the way people perceive homosexuals and treat same-sex unions in the US. However, reality is that we still have a long way to go to achieve indisputable equality between heterosexual and homosexual unions. . References: Bermann, J. (2013, Jun 26). BREAKING: Gay Marriage Legal In California. Retrieved from http://sfist.com/2013/06/26/prop_8_scotus.php Dorf, M.C. & Tarrow, S. (2014) Strange Bedfellows: How an Anticipatory Countermovement Brought Same-Sex Marriage into the Public Arena. Law & Social Inquiry, 39(2), 449–473. Djwudi. (2014). Why Gay Marriage Should not be Legalized? Retrieved from http://www.michaelhanscom.com/eclecticism/2004/02/18/why-gay-marriage-should-not-be-legalized/ Helgeson, V.S. (2006). Psychology of Gender (2nd ed.). Pearson Education India. Hutchison, E.D. (2011). Dimensions of Human Behavior: Person and Environment (4th ed.). SAGE. Johnston, R. (2013). 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