The most significant argument Ingraham conveys in this article is that heterosexuality is an institution, as previously stated, put in place to subliminally “normalize” male dominance (100). Ingraham explains this in terms of socialization and the rewards we receive throughout development to reinforce stereotypical behaviours, which we are told coincides with our biological sex. These behaviours and stereotyped aspects of being reinforce the “unequal social relations” (103), condoning inequalities conveyed in the performance of marriage like domestic abuse, sex-related inequalities, abuse for sexual orientation, and hierarchal demarcation (102). Ingraham goes a step further to illustrate the impacts heterosexuality, as an institution, has on our society
A Critique of William Bennett’s “Against Gay Marriage” The issue of homosexuals in our society is becoming more of a debate. The debate is no longer whether we should accept them, but rather, should they be legally recognized. Gay marriage should not be legalized because of its effect it would have on society. William Bennett’s article “Against Gay Marriage” was originally published in the Washington Post and highlights the negative effects of gay marriage on our society. Bennett wrongfully believes that homosexual and heterosexual unions are not comparable; however, if we change the definition of marriage, our society’s understanding of marriage would be irreconcilably ruined.
According to Potts & Short (1999) the core social arrangement within the institution of the family is the marital relationship. The right to engage in sexual activity is a defining characteristic of marriage in all cultures; at the same time, marriage limits sexuality, separating the couple from all other sexually active adults in the society. The aim of this investigation is to compare and contrast western culture with developing countries. Within this investigation, an analysis of cultural restrictions and oppressive regulation influence sexuality of the population. I also aim to touch on the subgroups of love and marriage in a variation of cultural constructs.
According to Nevid (2008) in his book, Psychology: Concepts and Applications, the biggest argument related to gender identity is the nature versus nurture, the role played by hereditary and environmental factors as well as their relationship to gender identity. In addition, there is evidence that hormones have an effect, and plays a pivotal role in determining one’s gender. This paper will discuss gender identity, the interaction of hormones and behavior and examine the biological, psychological and environmental aspects and influences on sexual differentiation. ** Hormones are the chemical messengers that produced in different glands and are in general responsible for the body to function on the proper chemical level. As needed hormones are secreted to the site of action to allow certain biological activity to take
One form of social difference is gender. The term gender refers to the biological categorization of humans according to their genitals (Weiten 2010). Males and females are expected to follow different etiquette concerning sexuality. The different organization of male and female lives has encouraged the development of different social norms (Baumeister & Vohs 2004). Society mostly accepts heterosexuality as normal which has led to there being social norms regarding how males and females
We know that homosexuality has been debated over and is still being debated upon to this day... Many believe that the scientific facts outweigh the general opinions of those who believe it is the environmental factors that affect one’s sexual orientation. However, it is not clear as to whether homosexuality is in fact caused by the previously discussed scientific factors, such as Genetic links, hormones and the Brain structure or if it is linked with environmental factors such as one’s upbringing. This discussion aims to scientifically answer if homosexuality can be considered to be scientifically related or if it is merely the environmental conditions of a person that affects their sexual orientation. As discussed previously, it is believed that homosexuality is linked to genetics and that there is a so called ‘gay gene’ which determines as to whether someone is a homosexual or not, within the studies of genetics linked to homosexuality there was great curiosity with twin studies , Several studies had thus been conducted concerning whether a pair of twins will likely have
The rights of homosexuals are gradually turning out to be equivalent to those of heterosexuals in the United States. In my opinion, homosexuality is a biological trait. This paper will present some theories and other empirical evidences to prove the biological influence on homosexuality. Homosexuality An indisputable fact about humanity is that every individual owes their existence to the physical union between their father and mother, and this reality forms the basis for the concept of family. However, anthropologists clearly point out that the existence of homosexuality has been identified in some societies at different degrees of prevalence throughout the history.
The Straight Way or the Gay Way; Why should it Matter Which Way The Straight Way or the Gay Way; You Don’t Choose to Be This Way According to procon.org, “Whether sexual orientation is a trait we are born with (nature) or is caused by the environment we are raised in (nurture) has been debated by scientists, religious leaders, elected officials, and the general public.” (Born Gay, 2013). Because this is an ongoing debate, homosexuals are denied the same civil rights as heterosexuals. Religion aside, why are homosexuals denied the same benefits as heterosexual couples? One main reason is because opponents consider homosexuality to be a choice. Scientist are still researching if humans are born gay, however, according to American Psychiatric Association (APA) “Sexual orientation emerges for most people in early adolescence without any prior sexual experience.
The human reproductive system is designed to be sexually compatible in order to bare offspring. If the act of homosexuality were a natural, genetic occurrence then the genes responsible for it would quickly disappear due to the inability for homosexuals to reproduce. Human physiology explains that the body is not designed for homosexual activity and that the anus is not designed for sexual pleasure. For example, the rectum is a lot different from the vagina in regards to suitability for penetration by a penis. The vagina has natural lubricants and supported by a group of muscles.
Opponents of homosexual marriage feel that by allowing gay and lesbians the right to marriage undermines the traditional definition of marriage. However, as society changes and the demands of the American citizens change, there needs to be changes that comply with not only the traditional society but also with modern needs of the United States people. Not only are homosexual couples being denied marriage rights but also adoption rights in several states. There would be no harm to society by allowing homosexuals the right to marriage or to legally adopt; the positive impacts it would have on society are far greater then the negative effects. Homosexuals should get the same rights as any other United States citizen.