Family Diversity- Same Sex Relationships

Question 1

How do legal changes explain increases in same sex relationship?

Answer 1

-Homosexual acts decriminalised in 1967 for consenting adults over 21
-Age of consent equalised with heterosexual
-Right to adopt- 2002
-Civil Partnerships Act- 2004
-Same sex marriage Act- 2013

-New Right: These legal changes go against SERS by stopping correct socialisation

Question 2

How does decline in stigma explain increases in same sex relationship?

Answer 2

-Opinion polls show an increase in tolerance over homosexuality over time- compared to 50 years ago were homosexuality was shameful and discriminated against

-Liberal Feminists: support this view, arguing that it shows movement away from patriarchy

Question 3

How does secularisation explain increases in same sex relationship?

Answer 3

-Many now believe that it is not a sin to be homosexual as sacred texts state
-In 2014- first gay marriages seen to be a positive step

-Postmodernists agree secularisation is happening- metanarratives including religion are being rejected in modern day society

Question 4

How are homosexual relationships similar to heterosexual ones?

Answer 4

-Weeks: gays creating families based on ‘friendship as kinship’
-Chosen families offer the same security and stability as heterosexual ones
-Social acceptance may explain same sex cohabitation and stable relationships that resemble those found amongst heterosexuals
-Weston- ‘quasi marriage’-any gay couples are now deciding to cohabit- unlike 70s which favoured home life

Question 5

How are homosexual relationships different from heterosexual ones?

Answer 5

-Allan and Crow: same sex partners negotiate their commitment and responsibility more than hetero married couples
-May be why they’re more flexible and stable
-Einsadottir- some welcome legal changes, others want their relationships to be different to heterosexual ones e.g want to negotiate roles