topic 2 - family diversity - SAME SEX RELATIONSHIPS Flashcards
how has legal changes increased same sex relationships?
homosexual acts decriminalised in 1967 for consenting adults over 21
age of consent equalised with heterosexuals since 2002 gay couples similar legal rights to married couples in respect of pensions inheritance and property
2014 same sex couples able to legally marry in uk
how has decline in stigma increased ss relationships
opinion polls shows an increase In tolerance over homosexuality over time.
how had secularisation increased ss relationships?
increase secularisation believe it’s not a sin to be homosexual as sacred texts state
2104 1st gay marriages in UK took place see this as a positive step
how are homosexual relationships similar to heterosexual?
- weeks sees gay creating families based on idea of “friendship as kinship” where friendships become a type a of kinship
- describes these as ‘chosen families’ and argues they offer the same security and stability as heterosexual families
- weeks argues increased social acceptance may explain a trend in recent yrs towards same sex cohabitation and stable relationships that resemble those found among heterosexuals
Weston same sex cohabitation as ‘quasi - marriage’ and notes that many gay couples are now deciding to cohabit as stable partners, contrasts this with gay lifestyle of 1970s largely rejected monogamy and family life in favour of causal relationships
how are homosexual relationships different to heterosexual ones
recently same sex partners have had to negotiate their commitment and responsibilities more than married couples, may have made same sex relationship both more flexible and less stable than heterosexual relationships
EINASDOTTIR notes that while many gay couples welcome opportunity to have their to have their relationships legally recognised, some worry may limit negotiability of relationships to be different to heterosexual ones
