Abstract In this paper, the author looks at the issues arising from same sex couples adopting children. The paper explains the procedures involved in adopting and the screening process for prospective parents. The author then looks at same sex couples who want to adopt and the implications on a child's upbringing. The author specifically mentions a report by the Medical Institute of Sexual Health which states that "Significantly higher percentages of homosexual men and women abuse drugs, alcohol and tobacco than do heterosexuals." The author discusses how he believes that children have the right to grow up in a normal healthy family which, he believes, is made up of a mother and a father. In conclusion, the author offers his opinion that, although home is where the heart is, adoption should be about placing children in natural families and safe homes.
From the Paper "In addition, the child has a right to have a natural family, and a mother and father. Due to divorce, this family deprivation has already hit America like no other war, disease, or problem before. Should this unnatural family life continue or be extended and even encouraged by homosexual couples adopting? Social researcher David Blankenhorn, author of Fatherless America, declared, "Fatherlessness is the 'engine driving' social pathologies such as crime, adolescent pregnancy, child sexual abuse, and violence against women." Research confirms that the domestic environment most favorable to the well being of children has both a mother and a father. (Gay Adoption)"
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 Discusses the pattern of negative, disobedient behaviors in a child or adolescent. Examines problems caused by the condition at school, work, and in social situations. Cites possible causes of ODD, its symptoms, and gender differences.
From the Paper "Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) is a pattern of defiant, negative, hostile, disobedient behaviors in a child or adolescent which lasts for at least six months (Doermann, 1999). The condition causes problems at school or..."
Abstract The paper examines how, in the book "Odd Girl Out" by Rachel Simmons, applying gender stereotyping to the image of a schoolyard bully conceals the fact that girls are equally capable of injuring their fellow classmates. The paper discusses how, while boys are more likely to use physical methods of dominance against weaker boys, their female counterparts are more apt to make use of more subtle, social methods of bullying, like forming cliques. The paper concludes that if women do not find more effective ways to express their aggression, and to deal with their need to express anger and dominance, then female opportunities of mentorship in business, as well as friendship will be thwarted.
From the Paper "Sadly, for girls who are bullied, the psychological consequences are often far more extensive than simply not going to one's high school prom, or having nasty notes passed around during geometry class. Their idea of positive female friendship may be forever tarnished, and the girls may inhibit their social and academic aspirations, for fear of becoming spectacles in high school and beyond, and hence the targeting of more bullying. Female friendship is not a positive source of energy and comradeship for a bullied girl, instead it becomes a social weapon, or a reward that can be extended or withdrawn, depending on the girl's obedience to a particular social code or deference to a kind of 'alpha female.'"
Abstract This paper examines the writings of Suzanne Morton. In her writing Morton mainly focuses on the roles of gender, the family, class, and social values. This focus is reflected in many of her publishing's such as: "Managing the Unmarried Mother", "Gender, Place and Region", and "To take an Orphan". Morton's strong focus on gender and class is heavily displayed in her book "At odds: Gambling and Canadians 1919-1969", which the author of this paper uses in order to examine Mortons' ideas and philosophy.
From the Paper "Throughout At Odds Suzanne Morton uses various sources, primary and secondary, in order to properly establish her ideas. Most commonly for primary support, I found that Morton uses newspapers, and magazines from the specific time period she is discussing. The newspaper Vancouver Sun was used an amplitude of times, as well as the popular Canadian magazine, Saturday Night, which was a strong supporter of elite racetracks and also the legalization of some smaller forms of gambling. The use of magazines and newspapers truly shows how gambling was such a common issue. This is very pertinent to the main thesis of the novel because it shows how gambling was about so much more than gambling itself, as it was discussed in common mediums. All the complex social issues that gambling related to made it a popular topic for debate, and general gossip."
Abstract The paper analyzes how people naturally seek out partners in an effort to be a part of a couple, and so they find other couples fascinating, watching them, observing them, and silently comparing their experiences together with their own. The paper examines how the history of couples on television, especially in America, serves as an intriguing study into American culture and values in general. The paper describes how couples on television have been portrayed differently over the decades as American beliefs and values have changed. The paper proposes that to study the history of couples on television is to study American attitudes toward a variety of social institutions and situations.
From the Paper "Perhaps the first famous television couple in America was the duo of Desi Arnaz and Lucille Ball. Exploding onto American television screens in the early 1950s, Lucy and Desi were unique in that they not only played a married couple on television, but they were also married in real life (Douglas, 2003). Because of this real life connection, the Lucy and Desi duo was a particular source of fascination to the American public for many years. People wanted to watch Lucy and Desi to see not only what unbelievable exploits they would get into week after week, but to see if any part of their real life relationship was translated onto the television screen."
Tags: Leave, it, to, Beaver, I, Love, Lucy, The, Honeymooners, The, Ozzie, and, Harriet, Show
Abstract This paper examines the need for the State of Connecticut to allow legal marriages for homosexual couples. It explains how at the moment the only recognition given to same-sex couples is a civil union. The writer interviewed Michael Fiorello, a high school English teacher that is currently in a same-sex relationship, to try and understand why same-sex couples actually want to be married. The writer then discusses, using different sources, how same-sex marriage is not specifically mentioned in the Constitution though marriage in and of itself is. The writer further discusses some of the facts and benefits of same-sex marriage in Connecticut and the United States. The writer believes that is time for the State of Connecticut to realize what it is suppressing and allow homosexual couples the right to a legal and recognized marriage.
From the Paper "The Constitution actually has very vague mentioning of marriage; let alone any sort of same-sex marriage. Evan Gerstman, author of Same-Sex Marriage and the Constitution, makes note that the fundamental rights (which include marriage) were derived from the due process clause, which is where one cannot "deprive any person of life, liberty or property without due process of law." And, most justices would ignore the equal protection clause and infrequently mentioned it. (Gerstman, 118) These rights come from the Fourteenth Amendment of the Constitution, where as it is, the justices of the Supreme Court have a hard time figuring out what that part of the amendment specifically stands for. This does not appear to be all right when it comes to the demands of same-sex couples and their attorneys' attempts to untangle the knots of the Fourteenth Amendment."
Abstract This paper examines a dating couple that is experiencing difficulties concerning personal perspective in their relationship. The dialogue between these two individuals shall be assessed according to the integrative couple therapy approach as is outlined in the book, Reconcilable Differences by Andrew Christensen and Neil S. Jacobson.
Abstract This paper introduces, discusses, and analyzes the novel, "Couples", by John Updike. Specifically, it presents an informative report on the novel, its author, and its reception by the critics. The couples in this novel fear death, and in an attempt to reduce and cover up their fears, they sleep with their married friends, forming a sort of "infidelity cult." The paper shows how "Couples" does not celebrate marriage; it bemoans it. It does not celebrate adultery and infidelity; it shows how they can ruin marriages and lives. This book is about a changing society and how religion has given way to sex and a sense of loss.
From the Paper "Freddy Thorne, the dentist in town is also the "thorn" in the side of many characters. He is abrasive and annoying, but he is also deceptively sharp and to the point. He says at one point, "The funny fact is, you don't get better, and nobody gives a cruddy crap in hell. You're born to get laid and die, and the sooner the better" (Updike 255). Freddy is the "devil" in the story ? the anti-hero who makes the other characters think and react, and can read them quite well. He is annoying because he is so critical, but because he is so astute, too. He understands more of what is going on around him more than just about any character, and so, he is the conscience of the book, something that many of the other characters totally lack."
Abstract This paper provides a comprehensive description of Anorexia Nervosa. Prevalence statistics, course and outcome and etiology of the disorder are described. The concept of the family unit is introduced. Family therapy of eating disorders is broken down into the steps and processes. The paper explores the effectiveness of family and couples therapy for eating disorders, and a combined treatment option is given.
Table of Contents
Description
Prevalence and Incidence
Course and Outcome
Etiology
Introduction to the Family
Family Therapy of Anorexia Nervosa
Effectiveness of Family Therapy
Marital and Couple Therapy
Combination Treatments
Conclusion
References
From the Paper "The disease of Anorexia Nervosa affects all aspects of a patient's life, including family functioning. The disease has a set of diagnostic criteria laid out by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-IV-TR) published by the American Psychiatric Association in 2000. Many researches have investigated the family links to the etiology of the disorder. To understand the theory of family therapy for Anorexia Nervosa, an understanding of family structure and family therapy in general is needed. Current research has found that involving the family in therapy is a useful tool in the healing process. Family therapy of Anorexia involves three stages ranging from the initial meeting to setting future goals and termination of the sessions. If the patient with Anorexia is married, then brief marital or couple therapy is used. Other forms of treatment such as nutritional rehabilitation or psychopharmacology usually accompany most family therapy."
Abstract This paper seeks to analyze the directorial aspects of a couple that lived a cage for three days. By becoming "Circus Freaks" in an old custom that depicted South American Indians as savages, they see seek to explore how people would react in a city environment in Columbia, South America. By seeing the filming, the racial perspectives, and the reactions the couple get, we can see how this film provokes historical revisions on Indian heritage.
This paper examines communication between gay couples through the lens of how it affects, and is affected by, imposed heterosexuality within the society at large.
1,900 words (approx. 7.6 pages), 12 sources, 2002, $ 71.95
Abstract The paper emphasizes that the patriarchal society narrows the parameters within which gay couples' communication can occur, since it socially constructs gender roles and sexual orientation. The essay argues that it is the communication between gay couples that serves as the stepping-stone for society to become more inclusionary toward same-sex orientation.
Abstract Coaching divorced couples through the difficult process of separation is a fundamental counseling question. This work outlines the opportunities and plans that are currently available to divorced couples for dealing with the stressors of emotional, financial, and social separation. Additionally, the paper addresses issues of shared parenting techniques that have been tried and tested within the coaching field.
From the Paper "Divorce coaching is the process of attempting to help individuals deal with their personal psychological difficulties, as well as learning to work together to solve post divorce issues, not the least of which is the shared parenting of minor children. Much of the research regarding the difficulties of divorce situations is dated. The dynamics of divorce have changed, as the legal and social systems that deal with the subject of divorce have altered their strategies to better meet the needs of the masses of individuals dealing with legal separation."
Abstract This paper presents an assessment of a married couple dealing primarily with issues of infidelity. The paper includes a literature review of the topic of infidelity, sexual jealousy and related issues as well as a discussion of the significance of the problem of infidelity. Also included is a description of the couple under assessment, their home life, issues of trust and physical abuse and their social standards.
Abstract This paper discusses how prejudice against same-sex parents, preventing them from adopting, is not only unfounded but also transgresses the dignity and human rights of gay couples. It also relates how the issue of adoption is intrinsically linked to the larger social and moral question of the acceptance of gay couples as full and legitimate members of society.
From the Paper "While society or sectors of society may regard parenting by gay couples with suspicion, there is no convincing scientific evidence to suggest that children raised by same-sex parents suffer any serious deficits or are deviant in any sense. (Hulbert, A. 2004) In truth much of the evidence points to the fact that children raised by gay parents are in some ways more balanced and resilient. There is also no evidence to suggest that children reared by same-sex partners are less intelligent or more likely to have problems than children of straight parents.
However, there are many prejudicial views against same-sex parents and the adoption of children."
