Abstract Analysis of Humphreys' book on the sociology of deviance. Book centers on a study of men from mainstream society (most married) who engaged in impersonal sex with other men in public bathrooms. Subculture. Risks involved (exposure, police) and reward (sexual satisfaction). Faults author's controversial research strategy (posing as a deviant to obtain information) & his methodology as violations of the freedom & privacy rights of his subjects, and as lacking depth. Praises book for its enlightening perspective.
From the Paper "In Tearoom Trade: Impersonal Sex in Public Places, Laud Humphreys redefined the sociology of deviance by showing that men from mainstream society were the main participants of a highly deviant activity?impersonal sex in restrooms dubbed the tearoom (Rainwater in Humphreys, 1975, p. xiii). Unlike prevalent conceptions of deviant acts as belonging solely to a deviant subculture, such as the gay culture, tearoom sex involves men who are married and live with their wives (Humphreys, 1975, p. 105).
Depending on how far their deviant behavior deviated from the rest of their lives, these men faced different risks by participating in tearoom sex. Therefore, Humphreys (1975) discovered that married men with a respectable position in mainstream society compensated for their deviant behavior by..."
Abstract Both Mary Wollstonecraft and Karl Marx developed ideas about the way society is formed and the way it should be formed and both did so in economic and social terms. The paper shows that there are considerable differences between the views they take on these topics. Each wanted to change society and each examined the nature of their society and determined what sorts of developments should be taken in the future. The paper examines Wollstonecraft's "Vindication of the Rights of Woman" (1792) and Karl Marx's class theory.
From the Paper "Marx and Engels do not speak of individuals as a rule but rather of classes, mass grouping of people according to economic and social position. In the perspective of Marx and Engels, the bourgeois society in which they lived was a system of class conflict and the domination of the bourgeois class over the proletarian class. They described the nature of this society not as an aberration but as a stage in social evolution, succeeding the feudal period and preceding the era of the dictatorship of the proletariat. This view was based on the idea that these stages were inevitable and that the only way for the proletariat to gain a better position in life was through revolution, through the violent overthrow of bourgeois society."
Abstract This paper discusses the basic issues of infertility. The statistics of infertility in the United States are presented and its causes are outlined. The paper illustrates and explains the different diagnostic procedures used to determine the causes of infertility. The paper claims that the majority of cases of infertility are treated with drugs or surgery. The emotional and psychological aspects of infertility are discussed. The issues discussed in this paper reveal that the condition is in fact a couple's problem that should be a public health matter.
Introduction
Occurrences of Infertility in the U.S. Population
Causes of Infertility
Treating Infertility
Medical and Health Issues Associated with Infertility
Conclusion
Works Cited
From the Paper "The desire to have children is almost universal. Thus, whether driven by biology, emotional needs, or social pressure, most adults will seek to have a child at some point in their lives, usually taking for granted that they will be able to do so by the usual biological route (Fidler & Bernstein, 494). However, the inability to conceive a child is a condition that affects millions of Americans each year and has a profound impact on a person's self-esteem, personal relationships, sense of value, and sense of purpose, her health and her pocketbook (Fidler & Bernstein, 494)."
Abstract The word "family" typically conjures up the image of an ideal household of two parents of opposite sex and their children. The paper shows that gay men and lesbians who seek to legalize their relationships in same-sex unions or gain custody of their children often face an uphill battle in their effort to form a family. Although gay men and lesbians merely want to exercise the rights enjoyed by heterosexual couples, conservatives view their effort to legalize same-sex unions as a campaign as a strategy to spread the practice of homosexuality and thus affect public morality. The paper shows that essentially, for the conservatives, the traditional definition of a family that has endured for over 6,000 years is at stake.
From the Paper "Various studies comparing the parenting styles of homosexual and heterosexual parents and the children's development in homosexual and heterosexual households have not been able to validate stereotypical conceptions of homosexual partners as inadequate parents. In fact, the studies frequently show that gay men and lesbians display a greater capacity for parenting (McNeill 3). Furthermore, studies on parent-children relationships have shown that gay fathers are more sensitive towards their children and try harder to be a better parent because of their own experiences (McNeill 7). Ultimately, these studies corroborate the fact that there are many same-sex couples who lead responsible and monogamous lives. The stereotypical perception of gay men and lesbians essentially denies the existence of committed same-sex couples who have formed a "family" for years, like many other heterosexual families."
Abstract This paper explores the effects gays have had in the media and what role they play in shaping the entertainment we see. The paper begins with a list of some important examples of homosexuals in the media, including Marlene Dietrich and Rock Hudson. The writer presents a brief history of homosexuality and society's view of it. Included is a look at the recent homosexual movement in the U.S. towards freedom and equality.
From the Paper "In the words of George Steiner ?Neither sociology nor cultural history, neither political theory nor psychology has even begun to handle authoritatively the vast theme of the part played by homosexuality in Western culture since the late nineteenth century. The subject is so diffuse and of such methodological and emotional complexity that it would require a combination of Machiavelli, de Tocqueville and Freud to produce the great missing book.? (qtd. in Altman) Unfortunately Steiner's words are true. In fact, when researching the history of homosexuals in America, I found very little that gave me a true and accurate account of their place in American culture."
Abstract Recent research reveals that about one percent of the general population suffers from manic-depression and five percent suffers from major depression during their lives. However, the incidence for depression in women is twice as high or more; as many as one in five American women has a history of depression during her lifetime.
This paper examines the causes and effects of depression in both young and older women. It examines existing medical research for both groups, identifies major differences in depression for young and older women and presents a conclusive analysis of observations.
From the Paper "Additional studies reveal that from early adolescence onward, there is a steady increase in the number of women who experience symptoms of depression. Women's risk for depression during their reproductive years also presents a significant social problem, as the risk of depression in children is greater when they have depressed mothers. In addition, depression has been identified as the fourth most common cause of disability worldwide and has surpassed accidents as a major cause of lost work time."
Abstract Ancient civilizations have had a diverse history in respect to homosexuality. Two of the most dominant civilizations of the early Western civilizations were also quite different in how they perceived homosexuality. The Greeks saw a loving, often sexual, relationship between an older man and a younger man or boy to be a nurturing part of citizen-building. The Romans, however, perceived all sex and all male behavior as an opportunity for establishing domination over others. While both cultures accepted homosexuality to differing degrees and for different reasons, it was during the course of the Roman Empire that homosexuality became more frequently unacceptable in an increasing number of contexts. It is the purpose of this paper to examine the differences between Greek and Roman homosexuality.
Abstract The growing movement of the gay rights movement in the United States, Canada and elsewhere has raised some sensitive issues. Not the least of these is whether gay couples should be allowed to adopt children. This paper explores this problem.
Abstract A review of the essay by Tobias Wolff 'Hunters in the Snow" which provides an analysis of the thesis: "When concentrating on the conversation that takes place between the men the reader realizes that underneath all the friendship there is a cruelness of words that cuts to the deep as the men flaunt the others weaknesses and seem to be ignorant of the effect that the words will have on the emotional state of the other."
Abstract This paper points out that while gays are just as likely as non-gays to make good soldiers, the simple effect of their presence reduces the social atmosphere and thus negatively affects the cohesion and effectiveness of the unit. Our society rejects gays, we should not, then force our military to adopt practices we do not accept ourselves.
Abstract This paper will seek to understand traditional and non-traditional gender role development. By seeking the norms in boy-girl roles in society, we can see how Erickson helps us understand how society forms gender roles on a child.
Abstract This paper examines how the history of assignment of custodial responsibility for children when parents separate or divorce has varied more than most people realize. It discusses how American courts, as well as the Anglo system that preceded it, have held various views over the centuries regarding who should take care of children after divorce, with the view that either parent may be the best choice in any individual situation being a relatively new development. By looking at how court rulings have changed, particularly over the last thirty years, it attempts to demonstrate how it is evident that many men can and will do an excellent job of raising their children when called upon to do so.
Outline
History
Current Issues
Fathers? Rights Movements
Examples of Single Fathers
Factors that Help Fathers Win Custody
Joint Custody
Conclusion
From the Paper "Laws have changed to reflect changes in society standards. In 1973, the New York Supreme Court ruled against the automatic assumption that of the two biological parents, the mother is automatically the best parent to receive custody of children in a divorce. They wrote, ?The simple fact of being a mother does not, by itself, indicate a willingness or capacity to render a quality of care different than that which a father can provide.? (Risman, 1985) By 1982 the state of Missouri had acted in a similar way. A Missouri court order from that year states, ??If both parents are employed and equally absent from the home, the mother has no more part in training, nurturing and helping in the child's development; and if everything is equal, the mother has no better claim to child custody.? (Stachewicz, 1993)."
Abstract This paper discusses gender bias in the workplace and focuses on the distinction made between a man and woman in a working environment on the basis of professionalism, integrity, and respect. This paper emphasizes the Equal Employment Opportunity Act of 1972 and how several women have used it to fight for their rights. The paper gives real examples of organizations that suffered as a result of gender distinction and represents the true scenario of gender bias in today's world.
From the Paper "Even after great advancements made by mankind in possibly all the fields of life, gender distinction between a man and woman still exists. The portraiture of power and the roles of gender in a prevalent culture reverberate meaningful patrimonial control, with the maneuvering of a female gender an appurtenant element of its objective. Women working in a professional environment have to prove their importance within the acrimonious periphery created by men. Despite the changes, which have been brought in by many laws and movements, women today still do not enjoy a working environment where they would be given a status equal to that of a man."
Abstract This paper argues that the death penalty should be abolished. The paper asserts that the death penalty is spurious, often based on socioeconomic or other factors irrelevant to the severity of the crime itself, and employed in a racist fashion.
From the Paper "The death penalty is an arbitrary institution that is employed for a series of reasons that are unrelated to the crimes committed by actual persons (assuming, of course, that those sentenced to the death penalty are even guilty of the crimes that they have committed). Indeed, the death penalty is employed differently depending upon the race, gender, and wealth of accused person. These criteria are unacceptable for use in determining outcomes that will result in imminent death for accused persons. The death penalty, since it is influenced by these factors is used arbitrarily and must be stopped."
Is same-sex marriage a civil rights issue? This paper considers major arguments against same-sex marriage and contrasts them with arguments in favor of it.
Abstract This paper focuses on religion, the influence of religion on politics, the Federal Marriage Amendment, and marriage rights and privileges. The paper sheds a positive light on the topic of same-sex marriage. Resources are current, and the paper is argumentative.
From the Paper "Recent political events have shed sudden light on an issue that the American public has long been avoiding: Same-sex marriage. Should same-sex couples be allowed to marry? As human beings and American citizens, are same sex couples entitled to the same protections that law provides to heterosexual married couples? Unlike the usual pro/con debates, this particular issue has three sides. There's the "no" side that argues that the benefits of marriage are sanctimonious and that they should be provided only to opposite sex couples. The "yes" side would argue that marriage is a basic civil right and should be provided to all couples, regardless of sexual orientation. The third side meets the previous two extremes somewhere in the middle, stating that while the term "marriage" is sanctimonious and should be reserved only for opposite sex couples, the benefits of marriage should be available to all couples regardless of sexual orientation. Each side has its own theories in a debate that is anything but black and white."
