Same-sex marriage and social change.

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For an interesting read and some personal insight into some of these sociological factors, read the reader comments based on the website below. Many of the sociological issues I will talk about are alluded to or discussed outright by the contributors to the site.

http://www.domesticpartnershipflorida.com/gay-marriage-facts-statistics/

For a good definition and foundation on what causes something to be a "sociological problem" check out the website below.

http://www.soc.iastate.edu/sapp/soc235ssm.html

Sociological forces that have generated the controversy over same-sex marriage and civil unions in the United States:

1. The definition of marriage:
For the entirety of human existence marriage has had very specific parameters and a precise purpose. In most cases it involved a public ceremony attended by members of the community. A religious component was often present. Marriage involved a privileged relationship between a man and a woman and gave certain rights and responsibilities to each. Relationships of a sexual and emotional nature certainly existed outside of marriage. Prostitution and casual sex have been a part of human existence for thousands of years. However, marriage offered security for a woman knowing that she wouldn't be simply used and tossed aside. For the man it offered a permanent sexual partner and helper in life. When one remembers that for most of human history simply staying alive required a significant amount of work and the concept of leisure time was virtually unheard of, having a partner to share in the chores of everyday life was a huge asset.

In the study of human history, marriage has always been between a man and a woman. While in some societies it was permissible to have more than one husband or wife the actual wedding/marriage was a contract/covenant between one man and one woman. The same sex marriage advocates and cause is trying ...