Same-Sex Marriage

Paper Summary:

The purpose of this paper is to introduce, discuss and analyze the topic of same-sex marriage. Specifically, it discusses if same-sex marriage is a threat to family and national values. The paper also looks at who feels threatened and why they feel this way. It contends that same-sex marriages should be available for gay and lesbian couples and that they should be able to celebrate their commitment and enjoy the benefits of marriage.

From the Paper:

"Many Americans tend to look back at the 1950s as the epitome of happily married life, with the perfectly dressed mother seeing the husband off to work, the children off to school, and happily managing the home, waiting only for their return. However, the 1940s and 50s had their share of problems, as well. Author Coontz states, "By 1946 one in every three marriages was ending in divorce. Even couples who stayed together went through rough times, as an acute housing shortage forced families to double up with relatives or friends. Tempers frayed and generational relations grew strained" (Coontz, 1997, p. 35). Nevertheless, most people were married in the 1950s, 86 percent of 1950s children grew up in two-parent households, and 90 percent of all households were families (Coontz, 1997, p. 37). Thus, marriage played a large role in society, and the unmarried were certainly the minority. "

Sample of Sources Used:

• Alderson, K. G. (2004). A phenomenological investigation of same-sex marriage. The Canadian Journal of Human Sexuality, 13(2), 107+.
• Coontz, S. (1997). The way we really are: Coming to terms with America's changing families. New York: Basic Books.
• Davidoff, J. (2006, August). No wedding bells: Why banning same-sex marriage spells disaster. The Progressive, 70, 22+.
• Hohengarten, W. M. (1994). Same-sex marriage and the right of privacy. Yale Law Journal, 103(6), 1495-1531.
• Pope, S. J. (2004). The magisterium's arguments against "same-sex marriage": An ethical analysis and critique. Theological Studies, 65(3), 530+.

More papers on Same-Sex Marriage:

• Argumentative Essay # 144227 : "Same Sex Marriage"
• Argumentative Essay # 74323 : "The Place of Same-Sex Marriage"
• Term Paper # 131410 : "Same-Sex Marriage in Canada"
• Persuasive Essay # 74212 : "Opposing Same-Sex Marriage"

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