Abstract This paper consists of a brief history and explanation of various methods of artificial insemination. It discusses the current policies of government and health institutions on this form of reproduction and how these specifically effect the lesbian community's wish to conceive.
From the Paper "Everyday in America, countless couples become pregnant without planning to. The results of these unplanned pregnancies range from abortion, to families maintained by teenagers, to abusive situations for the children brought into the world as a result of these unplanned pregnancies. The irony of this is that while many people are starting families that they don't even want, there are thousands of lesbians that would give anything to have a child of their own. For many, their only option is to artificially inseminate. In this paper I will discuss the process of artificial insemination and the policies surrounding it in regard to lesbians. In addition I will discuss what the future could hold in terms of reproductive technology."
Abstract This paper summarizes the main focus of three different, reliable research projects that focus on the unhealthy effects of alcohol on women vs. men. It discusses the effects that alcohol has on a woman's mental and physical health which are believed to be more prevalent than are the effects alcohol has on a man. It includes several examples of studies and experiments and their conclusions.
From the Paper "The educational realm of the social and behavioral sciences is a plethora of unanswered questions. For many years, the topic of sex differences has had psychologists and others in the medical field struggling to understand the somewhat distorted line between the female and male sex. For example, the effects that alcohol has on a woman's mental and physical health are believed to be more prevalent than are the effects on a man. The articles I reviewed shed some light for me on this topic. The focus of this paper is to review and critique previous research on the topic mentioned above, and to gain some insight into how I will be able to operationalize my own research in the following pages."
Abstract The following paper discusses the meaning and causes of homophobia which is defined as any belief system which supports negative myths and stereotypes about homosexual people and examines how social workers may advocate for others by addressing homophobia and identifying and impacting the negative consequences of homophobia. The writer also outlines how homophobia impacts individual development, increases suicide rates, invalidates individual feelings, and damages families. Lastly, this paper concludes with recommendations for how social workers may address issues associated with homophobia.
From the Paper ?Few issues have the potential to affect each and every single individual, whether directly or indirectly. Even fewer issues actually do impact each and every single member of society, whether directly or indirectly. Homophobia is one of the few issues which has both the potential to and which actually does impact each and every single individual, whether directly or indirectly. What makes homophobia so perturbing is that it has spawned numerous forms of oppression for gays and lesbians, both within the United States and in foreign countries. Within the United States, same-sex eroticism is still illegal in nearly half the states with penalties ranging from fines to life imprisonment. In addition, there are no national laws protecting the rights of gays and lesbians, and homosexuals are legally excluded in many states from employment protections, housing discrimination, immigration, inheritance, police protection, public accommodations, and rights of adoption and/or child custody. Likewise, gays and lesbians cannot be legally married to each other (outside of Amsterdam, Hawaii, and Vermont) and are thus not accorded insurance, medical, pension, and tax advantages that are accorded heterosexual marriage partners.?
Abstract The paper discusses how the U.S. Supreme Court provided tangible direction in 1967's 'Loving vs. Virginia' and in 1986's 'Bowers vs. Hardwick'. The paper shows that by ruling against states? rights, the Supreme Court ruled that it was unconstitutional to prohibit interracial marriage in Loving but sided with Georgia in Bowers and ruled that the state statute prohibiting sodomy was constitutional -- striking gay rights a blow from which they only began to recover in 1996. The paper explores how these two cases had an immense impact on the historical progress of the twentieth century - the end of the century concerned itself primarily with equality and equal rights for various groups and these two cases were seminal in determining the course of the twenty-first century's continuation of the quest for equal rights.
From the Paper "Interracial marriages and gay rights represent much larger issues -- as if those issues are not large enough. American history since 1789 is one long debate between states? rights and federal powers. Those usually willing to effect change in favor of minority groups have clamored for federal powers to refuse states the right to marginalize certain groups. Those who prefer the conservative -- whether evangelical Christian or not -- viewpoint call for the federal government to stay out of states? regulations pertaining to hotbed issues like race and sexual orientation."
Abstract This paper examines various opinions regarding the topic of gay and lesbian parenting. It illustrates clearly that gays and lesbian parents are mentally and emotionally stable enough to provide their children with love, support and attention that they require for success in all areas of life. The commons myths are addressed in this paper and are dispelled as being groundless in fact. This paper also discusses several court rulings concerning this issue.
From the Paper "The Courts in the United States have tried repeatedly to provide children with a family setting which is recognized by American Family Law. Even the societal changes, which are currently taking place in family structures, the society itself and the legal system of our country have failed to see beyond the myths and misconceptions associated with alternative family structure. Millions of gays and lesbians are now trying to become parents through adoption, insemination and surrogate procedures. No matter which method is finally chosen, it has been repeatedly proven by researchers and pediatric professionals that gay couples are absolutely capable of providing love, support and moral values required for healthy mental and emotional development of children. "
A review on Deborah Tannen's article on "How Male and Female Students Use Language Differently" which argues that males and females have different styles of communication.
Abstract The following brief review examines Deborah Tannen's article on "How Male and Female Students Use Language Differently" and asserts that the style of classroom communication supports how males learn rather then how females learn. This review argues that Tannen's argument itself is biased towards wanting to show an unfair situation for females.
From the Paper "Tannen makes some excellent points in this article. Considering the current focus on equal opportunity, the point that one situation for everyone is not necessarily the best way is an important one.
Tannen effectively describes some of the ways that males and females are different, showing how the classroom is tailored to the needs of males. In this description, though, there appears to be a bias. For example, debate and participation are only two aspects of the classroom. Other aspects include written tests, reading assignments and presentations to class. These aspects that may be more suitable to female learning are not discussed."
Abstract This paper investigates the claim that girls are discriminated against within the American education system. The paper begins with a definition of key terms and a review of the research on gender inequality in schools. The differing viewpoints on the topic are considered and the causes and influences of gender bias are looked at. Discrimination amongst staff is also touched on. The paper concludes with recommendations for improving the situation.
From the Paper "Gender equity, in education, is defined as, "the provision of equality of opportunity and the realization of equality of results for all students based on individual aptitudes, abilities and interests, regardless of gender" (AAUW, 1999). The failure to ensure this equity is known as gender discrimination, or gender bias. Within education, the existence of gender discrimination can be determined by a wide range of factors, such as; enrollment levels; exam results; the manner in which teachers respond to, and interact with, students; the topics and materials used within the teaching process; and the manner in which the school environment and social conditions influence the students. In 1972 the US Department of Education passed Title IX, a set of amendments aimed at reforming gender inequity in schools."
Abstract This paper describes the emergence of different types of pornography since its inception and analyzes how it has been regulated and its affect on society as a whole.
From the Paper "The first definition found of pornography dates from 1806 (Hunt, 1996). This writer divided what we call pornography into three categories, two of them not related to sex: religious, political and moral. Because of pornography's emergence as a vehicle for criticism and its production by the most radical thinkers in a time of great change, it was viewed as a threat to the status quo, which was its authors intent (Hunt, 1996). Pornography began more as attacks on those in power than attacks on the concept of ?decency.? Thus, as Hunt reports, the history of pornography rapidly became the history of attempts to regulate pornography."
Abstract The writer of this paper examines the history of the "profession" of prostitution. It looks at the conditions of employment and often exploitation of these women by pimps. The writer asks the question why this issue was never on the agenda for feminist groups and women's rights activists. It looks at the "geisha" system of Japan whereby prostitution is a recognized profession. It compares these attitudes to those in the Western world.
From the Paper "Why is it that the job that is often called the world's oldest profession does not have the world's oldest union, or often any form of union representation at all? There is an additional irony to the economic status of the prostitute in today's job market, for although the majority of these "field soldiers" in the sex industry are female, prostitutes are also often underpaid and often exploited in their labors. Why have feminists shown so little concern over the status of prostitutes? After all, the practitioners of the "world's oldest profession" are demonstrable proof that women have, contrary to the popular media debates on the subject if women should work or not, have always worked in some capacity or another. A common defense of women working by feminists is that women's work, like housework, has often been unpaid and invisible, or in the case of professional housecleaning and prostitution, poorly paid and tacitly ignored by society."
Tags: working, women, pimp, exploitation, geisha, japan, feminist, whore, sex
Abstract The paper argues that supposedly, in America one has a right not to be discriminated against for marital status, sex, race, religion, age or handicaps. It maintains that these laws mostly apply to people who are minorities, and are over forty, and married people with kids and for a Caucasian, who is single to admit that she or he was discriminated against is obviously considered politically incorrect. The purpose of this paper is to discuss what is political correctness, how much is too much, and exactly, when and where being politically incorrect is applicable.
From the Paper "Over caution, about being politically correct will cause the person in question some concerns about what really is said outside of their presence. Minorities, handicapped people and disadvantaged people are not as concerned about what is politically incorrect as what some white people are. African Americans, are not overly concerned about a particular racial term, and in Nigeria, it is a hi-status characteristic. Here in America, where it is an offensive word, it should not be said, in private or in the African American 's presence."
Abstract A paper which shows how the people actively involved with the gay rights movement may be highly organized and their objectives legitimate, but they are still considered a threat to traditional family values and "normal" sexual lives of other citizens. The paper discusses how the discovery of the deadly disease AIDS was yet another severe setback for the Gay rights movements, as the disease came to be linked to the gays, so much so, that AIDS was termed as a gay disease. Although the movement for the rights of gays has had its share of successes and failures, it has yet to see the movement converted into state legislation. The paper discusses sexual orientation, the HIV factor and the creation of resource centers and movements.
From the Paper "One of the achievements in this field was the creation of a resource center called the Office of Gay, Lesbian, and Bisexual (GLB) Student Support Services, with private funding, by the Indiana University Bloomington. It's principle objective was to serve the community of the university, with detailed information and resources on gays, lesbians, and bisexual issues, as well as offering information, support and referral for lesbian, gays and bisexual individuals. This center also refers students who have been harassed because of their sexual orientation to their GLB Anti-Harassment Team, which then assists the affected individuals, by finding a solution to their situation, and documents the incidents to ward off any future harassment. The benefits which have been highlighted by the opening up of resources centers such as stated above, is the creation of a support culture, which successfully helps those in need and guidance. [4]"
Tags: non-heterosexual, gays, lesbians, Anti-Harassment, Team, Censorship, GLAAD, Ellen, DeGeneres
An explanation of this theory which divides men and women into two separate groups. It shows that according to various research, men and women are brought up in ways so as to speak on different levels to one another.
Abstract This paper provides a thorough definition of this theory and proceeds to examine its implication in contemporary society. The paper shows how this opposite depiction of the two genders suggests that the two sexes are not only different biologically but also different in all other senses of the word. The concept of genderlect then emphasizes this difference and makes clear exactly how sexism arises and society creates a genderized society that bends towards patriarchal institutionalism.
From the Paper "The main line of gender related language is the different totally opposite ways of dialect between the two genders man and woman. Given that women and men speak different "genderlects," it's a miracle that there is any successful communication at all. The discussion has been defined on the various points inferred through researches of varying ways that genderlects occurs. Or simply it consists of the following inferences of man and woman speaking differences.
?Men and women create gender. Within these two distinct beings we can separate cultural communication distinctions that make each man or woman who they are. Seeking these communication differences in gender allows us to evaluate GENDERLECT STYLES"
Abstract The purpose of this paper is to review the literature on the topic of the sociology of sex and gender. It compares and contrasts the different beliefs that explain the role of sex and gender in society. It begins by reviewing various works that define and differentiate between the terms "sex" and "gender". The works explored include feminist studies and works originating in the Victorian era. The paper then explores the importance of the familial environment on gender identification, referring to works on the Oedipus complex and concluding with a study that investigates differences in attitude among males and females concerning sex.
From the Paper "Lets begin by focusing on how sex and gender are defined and differentiated. An article in Sex Roles: A Research Journal explains that psychologists who study the psychology of gender have struggled with distinguishing the terminology. The term "Sex? refers to the anatomical aspects of being a man or a woman. ("Gender and Society") On the other hand the term "Gender" usually refers to the behavioral, social, and psychological characteristics of males and females. (Pryzgoda) The article reports that in recent years studies conducted involving intersexed infants has caused sociologists to question the meaning of sex groupings and theories that are based on the experiences of intersexed and transgender people. (Pryzgoda) Regardless of this new concern it is safe to conclude that people who research the sociology of sex and gender would probably agree that they are not synonymous terms. (Hunt)"
Abstract This essay describes male and female relations in the Unites States and how roles of the female and indeed the male have changed. The paper looks at extreme feminism and attempts to offer a compromize in the war between the genders in society today.
From the Paper "Who should wash the dishes and the clothes? Who should wash the car and cook the dinner? Who should pay the bills, build houses and do the cleaning? Questions such as these cannot be effectively answered without examining the Feminist and "menist" perspectives regarding who should do what and who should not."
From the Paper "In order to explore the relationship between gender and work, it is essential to define the fundamental difference between sex and gender. Sex refers to the biological distinctions between male and female based on reproductive organs and functions. On the other hand, gender is a social construct that reflects the interaction between biology and sociological factors such as class, culture, race and the individual. Coltrane and Collins delineate the difference between the two terms clearly in Sociology of Marriage and the Family: ?Gender reminds us that the social roles of being male and female are largely produced by the culture, while sex refers..."
