Abstract This paper deals with one of the most controversial issues in America today: whether or not gay marriage should be legalized. The author puts forward the three main arguments against gay marriage: 1) it can put children at risk; 2) it can cause undue expenses for employers and the U.S. government; 3) it has the potential to undermine the traditional institution of marriage between one man and one woman. The author of the paper, states however, that gay marriage should be thoroughly examined from every angle of inquiry in order to promote and encourage the democratic principles upon which America was founded.
From the Paper "One of the most basic arguments against gay marriage is related to the role of children in such unions. Legalizing gay marriage, as Peter Sprigg points out, "would of course logically lead to granting homosexual unions adoptive and parenting rights and the implications of this are dire indeed" (156). Conversely, some studies have suggested that there appears to be no solid difference between children raised in a stable homosexual home and those raised in a traditional heterosexual home, yet in truth, there are a number of problems with the potential to severely affect the children brought up in such environments.
"First of all, the development of sexual identity could be impaired among children of lesbian or gay parents. Some studies suggest that "children brought up by gay fathers or lesbian mothers show disturbances in gender identity or in gender role behavior" and that some children "will themselves become gay as a result of living in a gay environment" (Kotulski, 167). In this case, children would become confused as to their individual gender differences and might not see nor understand the differences between men and women. Also, if a child sees nothing wrong with being gay, he/she might attempt to emulate the parent's lifestyle and thus lead the life of a homosexual/lesbian."
Abstract This essay deals with the issue of beauty and its role in mate selection. The author discusses rational principles, ethical principles and biological differences, and the role they play in mate selection.
From the Paper "The problem of beauty and its role in mate selection in humans has long perplexed evolutionary psychologists, and it is only by a thorough examination of the factors involved and a clear statement of the arguments for and against the factors, that psychologists can best learn and understand what is entailed in the mate selection process. At least four basic factors or principles play significant roles in making men and women more sexually attractive."
Abstract This paper compares engraver Albrecht Durer's 16th-century visual representation of Adam and Eve as an example of of gender roles in the Bible with the text of the creation story as told in Genesis.
From the Paper "Through its dual account of the creation of Eve, the Bible reflects the conflicting nature of society's perception of woman. On one hand, she is man's equal partner, his wife and the mother of his children. On the other, she is secondary to him, inferior in both mind and body. In addition to its occurrence in Biblical literature, evidence of this dual nature of womanhood can be found in our culture's visual history. By studying various artists? renditions of scenes from Genesis, it is apparent that there are two perceptions of Eve that correspond to the double nature of women: equal and non-equal. D"rer's Adam and Eve is rife with these examples of dichotomy. In his engraving, D"rer depicts the couple in the Garden of Eden the moment before Eve accepts the apple from the serpent. Whereas certain aspects of the composition point out the physical similarities between Adam and Eve, there are also hints at an implicit hierarchy between the genders. This mixture of equality and inequality underlines the conflict in Genesis: while the likeness between Adam and Eve is reminiscent of the first, simultaneous creation story, their differences reflect the gender asymmetry that characterizes the second creation myth."
Abstract This paper examines the roles of males and females in several cultures. The author focuses primarily on the interaction between the genders in terms of sex, marriage, and reproduction. The paper also looks at the sexes with respect to finances, familial decision-making, and overall power and influence.
From the Paper "Gender relations are most easily characterized through an interpretive analysis of reproduction, production, power, and gender ideologies. These four components of the affinity between men and women in various cultures effectively illustrate the societies? perceptions and understandings of each of the sexes. Subsequently, how each sex demonstrates their core of beliefs and or knowledge is dependent upon these perceptions of their role and contribution to society. Through the application of one or more of these dimensions, each culture defines gender relation. Although one society may rely more heavily on a certain component to provide definition of distinction between gender, anthropologists and sociologists have found numerous similarities between the uses of these dimensions as a tool of definition in dissimilar cultures."
Abstract This paper discusses the ideas of community acceptance of homosexuality. The author examines society's attitude to homosexuality by referring to four personal interviews which are personal accounts of criticisms of homosexuality.
From the Paper "In our community there is common debate about homosexuality and whether it is right or wrong. There are many people who believe that homosexuality is wrong, but where we find a common problem is in the fact that these people have no business worrying about homosexuality, since it doesn?t affect their life directly in any way. Accepting homosexuality in our community would help our culture expand, and promote harmony in our community."
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 A review of the changing roles of women during the last century from getting the right to vote in 1919 to the current gender roles for women.This paper illustrates how the changing gender roles are viewed by society and what kind of hardships were faced. It shows how the two World Wars forced women's rights into the front line.
From the Paper "World War I was a tumultuous time in American history. It was the first major war that the United States became involved in with Europe. Yet, bitter wounds were still healing from the Civil War fought approximately fifty years earlier. When the outbreak of World War I began, the United States felt it would be prudent to stay, at first, out of the war. However after the loss of several powerful European countries the United States was forced to enter the war. While most of the soldiers that fought in the War were men, a great majority of them included women. Previously, women were rarely allowed positions near battle. Only women nurses were allowed near the battle lines, but few if any, were allowed to pick up a weapon. World War I marked a change in the way women were viewed in the military. A record number of women participated in the war effort in a variety of aspects, from soldiers to entertainers. ?? Twenty ? five thousand American women tool their talents, energy, and concern for humanity to war torn Europe as nurses, dentists, dietitians, occupational and physical therapists, administrators, secretaries, drivers, entertainers, canteen workers, interpreters, pilots, soldiers, journalists, and telephone operators.? (Schneider 183) Previously, women were not allowed to actively participate in the war effort. The emergence of women in the battlefield set a precedence that allowed women to participate in the wars to follow. Furthermore, a more important outcome of the participation of women in war, was that it showed men that women were capable of accomplishing tasks that were otherwise thought of as only "men's work" starting a chain ? reaction that percolated to other vices of society as well. Thus, World War I changed the role that women played in a society at war. Consequently, many women started enlisting in certain branches of service like the navy, air force, and army. Despite a record number of women who enlisted in the military many were met with staunch opposition from military personnel who did not want women fighting in the war. However, there was a great deal of officers who did not mind having women in their ranks and thus recruited them wholeheartedly. ?The Navy simply ignored The War Department dissenters and quickly recruited women. Nearly thirteen ? thousand women enlisted in the Navy and The Marine Corps as the same status as men and wore a uniform blouse with insignia. These were the first women in the U.S. to be admitted to full military rank and status.?(Women in World War One). Prior to this time period it would be difficult for men to even conceive women in the military, but because of the turmoil of this age women were allowed into military positions. Consequently, the admittance of women in battle with men changed the roles that women played during war forever. No longer would women be thought of as only child ?bearers; they could have some equality with men during times of war."
Tags: gender, rights, role, socialization, vote, women
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
