Research of the foundation of two different relationships and compare them to one another

Introduction

The purpose of this paper is to properly research the foundation of two different relationships and compare them to one another. The relationships I have chosen to analysis will be gay/lesbian and heterosexual couples. When defining a gay/lesbian couple in my own words I distinguish them as the romantic bonding of two same-sex individuals. The alternative couple known as a heterosexual can be distinguished as the romantic bonding of two different sex individuals. The remainder of this following paper will analyze the many components that make both couples similar, unique, and different in their own ways from each other.

Interest

The two couples have been the most discuss couples throughout time with heterosexual couples standing at the top considerable the first example of a relationship for humankind. The process for analysis both couples come from the primary difference of individuals seeking to either marry their own or opposite sex. Heterosexual couples around the world were categorized as the norm of a relationship and marriage, unlike homosexual couples. It took many years for homosexual couples and families to be normalized as a basic structure in the U. S. The recognition of homosexual couples rights is still a controversial topic to speak on today because many people do not approve its existence (Diaz-Serrano & Meix-Llop, 2016, p. 133). In regard to both couples, involvement in social issues heterosexual couples is recognized as a stable in social work practice settings. However, homosexual relationships have begun to become more prevalent in the social worker over the decades especially in the adoption of children (McCutcheon & Morrison, 2015, p. 141).

Incidence

The research indicates that the Netherlands can be recognized as the first country to authorize same-sex couple’s marriages only for other countries like the United States to follow behind in legalization (Diaz-Serrano & Meix-Llop, 2016, p. 133). The overall population of citizens will vary depending on each country, state, and city. In Italy alone documented to have at least 12 million people manage to uncover about 1 million people admitted to either having a homosexual or bisexual agenda, while 2 million reported having a sexual attraction to the same sex. This places the remaining 9 million to either be heterosexual, undecided or unwilling to share (Antonelli et al, 2014, p. 703). In regard to an increase in homosexual couples when it comes to undecided or unwilling to share such personal information about sexual orientation, research shows that many same-sex couples are unlikely to speak out because of being persecuted. It may be acceptable in many countries to recognize and legalize same-sex marriage, but this does not change the majority of the public’s opinion on the couples (Antonelli et al, 2014, p. 703).

The decrease of same-sex couples follows behind discrimination of many heterosexual couples believing homosexuals are more likely to be accepted within society if they did not reveal their sexual orientation. Document reports show many individuals in certain professions or business may face (20%) chance of some sort of discrimination. This is the reason heterosexual couples are one of the least relationships having to fear prejudices than homosexual couples (Antonelli et al, 2014, p. 703).

Identification

The couples do share a lot of similarities and differences that are comprised from the history and major historical figures involved. Heterosexual relationships strive off of religion and its existence of being set as a norm in the public view. Homosexual relationships cater from individuals not wanting to be set by society only to determine who they choose to love.

Similarities

A commonly shared trait between both couples is communication. Communication can be seen as a necessary component for keeping couples lasting throughout time. Both heterosexual and homosexual partners that have a consistent flow of communication are more likely to possess a healthy relationship (Brashier & Hughes, 2012, p. 80). It appears that social networks are present throughout all relationships because of the high regard of individuals wanting to keep a support system from those in their circle. Social networks are very common between both same-sex and heterosexual couples (Knapp et al, 2014, p. 37). In addition to another similarity between both relationships it appears men from heterosexual and homosexual share the exact same interest for future partners. One of the men’s major key traits they search in their partner is physical attractiveness as primary importance (Knapp et al, 2014, p. 173).

Differences

A common difference between heterosexual couples and homosexual couples would have to be the handling of household tasks between partners. For example, lesbian couples are more likely to share household chores like cleaning, cooking, and shopping, unlike heterosexual women, may divide tasks with their boyfriends or husbands solely based on typical gender roles (Gotta et al, 2011, p. 354). Another common difference would have to be the discrimination that was mentioned earlier. Unlike heterosexual couples, homosexual couples may hide their sexual orientation for fear of being attacked, harassed, or refused local service. Heterosexual children do not have to worry about possibly being disowned by their own family members, while about (80%) of homosexual children will avoiding discussing with their parents due to consequences (Antonelli et al, 2014, p. 703). In regard to women in heterosexual and homosexual relationships research suggest that lesbian couples have a higher chance of experiencing greater satisfaction both relationship and sexual than heterosexual females because of lesbian couples ability to maintain great verbal communication on different topics such as sex (Brashier & Hughes, 2012, p. 81).

Commonalities

Many countries overtime have granted the permission for homosexual couples the right to adopt similar to their heterosexual counterparts this includes Germany, France, and the United States. The research shows that same-sex couples have been fighting for there to right to marriage for decades. It wasn’t until June 26, 2015 under President Barack Obama leadership that the US Supreme Court ruled that state-level bans on same-sex marriage were unconstitutional (Diaz-Serrano & Meix-Llop, 2016, p. 133).

Uniqueness

Homosexual couples carry not only a unique community for support known as lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) but a history founded on hardships and commit for change. Phyllis Lyon and Del Martin are the founders of Daughters of Bilitis, which pioneer the road for LGBT community because it was the first lesbian political and civil rights organization in the United States back in 1955 (Kite & Bryant-Lees, 2016, p. 165). Same-sex couples protested and fought for their rights to be equalized just like their heterosexual counterparts.

Reflection

The discovery of many new similarities and differences gives public insight on both couples impact on the world. The journey of homosexuals fighting to obtain the same right as heterosexuals when it comes to marriage. The lock of both couples ability to raise children shouldn’t be denied just because of sexual orientation. The research shows heterosexual couples did not have to face discrimination or have their sexual orientation categorize as sin in a religious standard. It is very important to understand the literature is classifying one of the key traits of same-sex couples is role identifying. Happiness can rise in humans for many accusations whether it’s from wealth, love, or materialistic items. However, research indicates most happiness derives from the purpose of individuals discussing the meaning of their own life (Biswas & Chaudhuri, 2018, p. 293). Takeshi Shudo once said “ I see now that the circumstances of one’s birth are irrelevant. It is what you do with the gift of life that determines who you are.” The moment same-sex couples began to accept their own wishes and not allow society to determine who they can or cannot love is the awakening of their own perception of happiness (Biswas & Chaudhuri, 2018, p. 294).

New Insights

Although most people may think heterosexual couples seek more sexual intimacy with their partner particular on the first date. In actuality, research shows that gay men have a higher rating of participating in sexual intercourse on the first date than all other couples (Knapp et al, 2014, p. 92).

The addressing of certain areas that help maintain everlasting heterosexual romantic couples purely originates from seven specific behaviors. Researchers suggest these behaviors can be planned or unaware depending on the individuals in the couple. The first behavior is giving advice to help solve issues before they escalate. The second is known as relationship assurances, which involves both people admitting to each other their true feelings throughout the years. The third behavior is called effective conflict management. This behavior steams off of formal apologies, listening, and cooperating with lovers ideas for the future. The fourth behavior is categorized as appropriate openness, which is when one of the individuals in the relationship decides to open up more about the current relationship with their partner. The fifth behavior is a positive demeanor. It clarifies the couple extension for cheerful moments. However, let it be known not many couples rely on this fifth behavior. The sixth behavior can be recognized with mostly same-sex couples as stated earlier in the paper is the sharing of tasks. It is the process of couples switching with one another to complete routine tasks. The final behavior can be expected in both homosexual and heterosexual couples. The behavior of the couples including social networks in their life mostly comprised of trusted circle of family and friends (Knapp et al, 2014, p. 261).

Applicability

Social workers will need to check their biases in order to avoid future ethical dilemmas with same-sex clients. If social workers are unaware of their own biases they can possibly have difficulty in providing the necessary support and recommended services to gay and lesbian couples (Swank & Raiz, 2010, p. 19). The information presented in this paper can assist in understanding certain similarities and differences between homosexual and heterosexual clients. If the social workers create time to understand the circumstances of their clients they become more likely to develop solutions for their problems. The many social changes accompanied by National Association of Social Workers (NASW) will one day present the opportunity for social workers to engage face same-sex couples and parents at some point in their professional career. It is essential for all social workers to keep the code of ethics at heart realize it does not just apply to heterosexual couples (Shilo et al, 2016, p. 690). The clients that seek the assistance of social workers are there to obtain a better future for themselves.