![]() ![]() It tries to explain how personal difficulties and private experiences are interactive and joined with the structural arrangements of the society. Sociology has a broad scope that ranges from the evaluation of interactions between individuals to the analysis of the global social consequences. Conflict theory suggests that as long as heterosexuals and homosexuals struggle over these social and financial resources, there will be some degree of conflict.Sociology includes the study of social consequences of human behavior, the study of social life, and social change. Denial of these benefits to same sex couples is wrong, they argue. On the other hand, many marriage equality activists argue that legal marriage is a fundamental right that cannot be denied based on sexual orientation and that, historically, there already exists a precedent for changes to marriage laws: the 1960s legalization of formerly forbidden interracial marriages is one example.įrom an economic perspective, activists in favor of marriage equality point out that legal marriage brings with it certain entitlements, many of which are financial in nature, like Social Security benefits and medical insurance (Solmonese 2008). Dominant groups (in this instance, heterosexuals) wish for their worldview-which embraces traditional marriage and the nuclear family-to win out over what they see as the intrusion of a secular, individually driven worldview. Karl Marx 1875, Public Domainįor conflict theorists, there are two key dimensions to the debate over marriage equality-one ideological and the other economic. ![]() Unfortunately there have been many county officials refusing to issue marriage licenses for same sex couples under violation of the federal law but nonetheless impeding couples rights, forcing them to seek legal recourse or go to another county. One of these provisions, the Defense of Marriage Act, states that marriage between one man and one woman is the only domestic legal union that shall be valid or recognized however the national law overrides these state policies. In protest of this many states have adopted statutes or constitutional provisions preventing same-sex marriage. Recently, we have seen the debate over the legalization of marriage equality for all intensify nationwide, and in 2015 The Marriage Equality Act became the law of the land, ensuring any two people wishing to enter into a marriage contract could do so. ![]() From a conflict theory perspective, sexuality is another area in which power differentials are present, and a space where dominant groups actively work to promote and impose their worldview, as well as serve their economic interests. Karl Marx is considered the founder of Conflict theory. This criticism does not take into account the increasing legal acceptance of same-sex marriage, or the rise in gay and lesbian couples who choose to bear and raise children through a variety of available resources.Ĭonflict theory looks at society as a competition for limited resources between those who have (bourgeoisie), and those who do not (proletariat). Thus, homosexuality, if occurring predominantly within the population, is dysfunctional to society. If this occurred, procreation would eventually cease. This structure gives offspring the best possible chance for appropriate socialization and the provision of basic resources.įrom a functionalist standpoint, homosexuality cannot be promoted on a large-scale as an acceptable substitute for heterosexuality. From a functionalist point of view, the purpose of encouraging sexual activity in the confines of marriage is to intensify the bond between spouses, and to ensure that procreation occurs within a stable, legally recognized relationship. Social norms surrounding family life have, traditionally, encouraged sexual activity within the family unit (marriage) and have discouraged activity outside of it (premarital and extramarital sex). " General Diagram of Structural Functionalism" by Rcragun is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0įunctionalists such as Talcott Parsons (1955) have long argued that the regulation of sexual activity is an important function of the family. ![]() Since functionalists identify the family unit as the most integral component in society, they maintain a strict focus on it at all times and argue in favor of social arrangements that promote and ensure family preservation. When it comes to sexuality, functionalists stress the importance of regulating sexual behavior to ensure marital cohesion and family stability. Structural Functionalism sees society as a structure with interrelated parts designed to meet the biological and social needs of the individuals in that society. ![]()
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