- Published: November 17, 2021
- Updated: November 17, 2021
- University / College: Rice University
- Level: Secondary School
- Language: English
- Downloads: 36
The paper ” Perceptions and Beliefs on Marriage between People from the Same-Sex” is a good example of an essay on social science. The evolution of global societies’ acceptance to changing norms, values, and belief systems have significantly changed the various perceptions and beliefs on contemporary marriage as accepting unions between homosexual partners, or people from the same sex. A marriage that has been previously regarded in traditionally conventional societies and cultures as a solemn union between man and woman are now being transformed. In an article written by Colson and Morse entitled “ Societal Suicide”, the authors supported traditional views that marriage is a solemn vow between heterosexual partners and that legalizing gay marriages would ultimately lead to a breakdown of the family and the increased incidents of crime. On the other hand, Suozzi, in his article entitled “ Why I Now Support Gay Marriage” contended that the supports gay marriage for reasons ranging from religious liberty; and freedom from legal, social and other forms of discrimination. In this regard, the current essay aims to present one’s personal support for Colson and Morse’s view that marriage should remain to persist in its traditional and historical form to provide a strong union between man and wife and propagate solidity in the family. As asserted by Colson and Morse, “ marriage is the traditional building block of human society, intended both to unite couples and bring children into the world” (1). The very purpose of marriage, therefore, is for the reproduction of the human species and therefore, the crucial ingredient for fulfilling its goal is the presence of a man and a woman. Likewise, the reasons for disputing gay marriage as disclosed by the authors focus on the breakdown of the family which consequently influences members in a negative way. Based on the author’s various studies, countries, and societies that promote same-sex marriages revealed increasing incidences of birth rates out of wedlock; kids getting into trouble and manifesting behavioral problems; children exhibiting lower academic performance; and therefore the weakening of heterosexual marriage norms.
On the other hand, the views of Suozzi focus on indicating that, while he previously supported the traditional view of heterosexual marriage, he now supports same-sex or gay marriage due to the rights that needed to be acclaimed and respected of homosexual unions. The author revealed that “ under current New York State law, same-sex couples are deprived of access to the employment benefits, life and health insurance, and inheritance laws that heterosexual couples have. If the state were to institute civil unions for same-sex couples, that discrimination would end” (Suozzi, 1). Therefore, the main objective of Suozzi for promoting gay marriage is to ensure that same-sex couples would be accorded the same rights and privileges given and accessible to heterosexual partners; and thereby, eradicate inequality and discrimination.
After closely evaluating both articles and the contentions of the respective authors, one strongly agrees with Colson and Morse who firmly advocate the retention and preservation of the traditional heterosexual marriage for all the benefits accorded from it. One strongly believes that the main purpose that couples decide on getting married is for reproduction and this reason has been upheld by various cultures, societies, and religions, through time. As effectively justified, “ history and tradition—and the teachings of Jews, Muslims, and Christians—support the overwhelming empirical evidence: The family, led by a married mother and father, is the best available structure for both child-rearing and cultural health” (Colson and Morse 2). The gravity by which family structure is eroded and the increasing evidence that point to drastic negative outcomes suffered by children out of broken families indicates that preserving marriage vows is of crucial importance. The arguments of Suozzi in favor of advocating for equal rights to workplace benefits, health and medical benefits and inheritance claims should not have been crucial concerns at all had societies adhered to traditional heterosexual marriage. These issues are of lesser significance when compared to the consequences faced by children when the weakening of marriage vows are generally accepted as part of contemporary societies transformed social values. The higher incidents of teenage marriages and pregnancy, aggressive behavior, criminal activities, and lower academic performance prove that a weakening of traditional marriage due to support for gay marriage results in adverse negative effects to contemporary societies.
In sum, the current essay effectively presented one’s personal support for Colson and Morse’s view that marriage should persist in its traditional and historical form to achieve its main and ultimate goal of reproduction and to strengthen the union between man and wife as a way of enforcing solidity in the family.