Sociological look at "ER"

Paper Summary:

This paper examines a character in "ER" known as Kerry Weaver, a physician at the hospital, and the difficulties she faces as part of a same-sex partnership and as a non-traditional parent from the perspective of two sociological traditions. The first part of the paper uses the structural-functionalist approach, emphasizing the writings of sociologist Emile Durkheim. This part argues that Weaver's actions as both a lesbian life partner and a lesbian single parent are both dysfunctions that have a destabilizing effect on society. The next part then criticizes this position by using the conflict approach, applying Karl Marx's writings regarding the ideas and values of the ruling class to the case of gay and lesbian people.

From the Paper:

"The television show ER is one of the most popular and longest-running programs still on television. The episode aired April 8, 2004 focused on the personal life of attending physician Kerry Weaver, portrayed by actor Laura Innes. In this episode, Weaver's lesbian life partner Sandy Lopez partner dies in a fire. Lopez's family then takes the opportunity to file for custody of their infant son, who is Lopez's natural child. Weaver tries in vain to retain custody of her son. In the end, however, her efforts are fruitless. Since the law does not recognize same-sex partnerships, Weaver did not have any legal standing as a parent or spouse, she eventually lost custody of her son to Lopez's vindictive relatives."

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