Homosexual Parenting Harmful To Child Development Sociology Essay Example
Homosexual Parenting Harmful To Child Development Sociology Essay Example

Homosexual Parenting Harmful To Child Development Sociology Essay Example

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  • Pages: 6 (1499 words)
  • Published: September 4, 2017
  • Type: Research Paper
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Conventional notions of households are currently being disregarded, causing a significant disruption in our society.

The essay aims to explore the impact of same-sex parenting on children in modern society. While there has been greater acceptance of non-traditional family structures, such as divorces, separations, single mothers, adoptive children, and same-sex parents, doubts and reservations still exist specifically regarding homosexual parenting. Traditional families typically consist of a mother, father, and possibly children—a belief supported by religious teachings. Ephesians 5:31 reinforces this notion "for this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh" (Ephesians 1995).

The Bible explicitly states that marriage is a union between a man and a woman, excluding same-sex couples. Christians have historically held the belief that marriage should only involve individuals of oppos

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ite genders, and deviating from this belief is seen as blasphemous or sacrilegious. While society has become more accepting of homosexuality, opinions on same-sex partners raising children remain divided. Certain individuals and media sources exploit and exaggerate this matter with an idealistic agenda.

In order to fully grasp societal acceptance and the current state of affairs, it is crucial to analyze one's own family rather than solely depending on public sentiment. Numerous studies have investigated the origins of homosexuality, with specialists suggesting that it is impacted by biological and environmental elements. According to Harren (2008), genetics and upbringing both play a substantial role in shaping human behavior within particular settings.

Harren (2008) suggests that the emergence of same-sex attraction is associated with disruptions in the development of gender identity. This developmental process is influenced by a child's interactions with thei

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same-sex parent and peers. Specifically, a father's role in teaching his son about masculinity and cultivating a sense of maleness is crucial. As the child progresses in age and begins attending school, he begins to identify himself more closely with other boys.

In conclusion, the individual eventually develops an attraction to someone of the opposite gender (Harren, 2008). While it is a more complex process, this is essentially a result of what occurs with a child of the opposite gender. A child who is homosexually oriented does not experience this type of identification and sexual function perspective. Other significant factors in this process include perception, disposition, defensive withdrawal, and instances of sexual abuse.

There is limited evidence to support the notion that sexual orientation is determined by our birth or family. The lack of information has made it difficult to study public assistance for children raised in same-sex relationships. Abbie Goldberg from Clark University analyzed around 150 such cases and found few differences between these children and those born into heterosexual relationships. However, Belkin argues that the dissimilarities outweigh the similarities. Notably, children brought up in same-sex households tend to have less conventional gender roles and be more adaptable compared to those raised in traditional households (Belkin, 2009). This change in perspective is attributed to the absence of concerns about conforming to specific gender roles among children raised by heterosexual couples. In contrast, the Spanish Forum for the Family and the Institute for Family Policy published a research paper titled "Report on Infantile Development in Same Sex Couples" in 2005, which claimed negative effects of homosexual parenting on children.

According to Baklinski (2009), a study discovered that children

raised by same-sex couples faced negative consequences. These included low self-esteem, stress, confusion about sexual identity, increased mental illness, drug use, promiscuity, STDs, and homosexual behavior. Baklinski also cited Colin Hart, the director of the UK's Christian Institute. Hart argued that allowing gay couples to adopt aimed at normalizing homosexuality instead of improving acceptance opportunities. He believed that children needed both a father and a mother in a stable relationship and legalizing gay adoption would harm them. Scholars like Witt (1997) also noted that parents play a significant role in shaping their child's understanding of gender roles. Gender biases and expectations can emerge shortly after birth; for instance, girls tend to exhibit quieter and shyer behaviors compared to boys.

Children often inherit behaviors and traits from their parents by closely observing them. Without conscious effort, children develop certain traits, including experiencing sexual feelings during adolescence. Currently, there is no strong evidence suggesting that being raised by heterosexual parents will automatically result in a heterosexual orientation (Witt, 1997). Two important questions arise: "Can a child with gay parents have a normal life?" and "Why is conforming to gender-specific roles seen as regressive?". In an ideal world where people understand and accept different sexual preferences, this would be possible. However, in our present reality, differences are used to categorize individuals. Consequently, a child raised by homosexual parents will inevitably face the consequences of their parents' sexual orientation.

The text discusses the additional challenges and legal consequences faced by homosexual parents compared to heterosexual parents. It also mentions that if their sexual orientation becomes a point of contention in court, homosexual parents may be at a higher risk of losing

custody rights (Cramer, 1986). These cases typically focus on three main concerns: the potential development of homosexuality in the child, the possibility of sexual abuse by the homosexual caregiver, and concerns about peer rejection if the child identifies as gay. Relationship issues are also important, such as the quality of parent-child dynamics, influence from the non-gay parent, and how revealing a parent's homosexuality might impact their relationship with the child. While support centers exist for these families, there seems to be a lack of specific assistance available for children in similar situations.

According to Cramer (1986), it is highly likely that these children will experience feelings of isolation and an inability to share their distressing secret, for reasons unknown. RealWomenca.com (2007) asserts that children thrive best in a household with opposite-sex parents, where they can learn gender identity and sex-role expectations from their biological parents. It is important to not use children as tools for political gain or treat them as possessions. There are potential issues that may arise in such relationships which could negatively impact the child, including unstable and unpredictable relationships, infidelity, mental health problems, substance abuse, high levels of violence, and interference with the child's natural sexual orientation development.

(RealWomenca.com, 2007) Homosexuality is merely a sexual preference that could arise from various factors. The issue lies not in homosexuals living together, as there is no threat to the heterosexual community, as nature can accommodate certain deviations. This may even be a temporary phase. The problem arises when gay couples demand the right to adopt or conceive children through artificial means and bring them up in an unnatural environment they have created.

The potential for inaccuracy

compromises the reliability of statistical studies as couples from these communities tend to avoid participating in such surveys. It is important for individuals belonging to these communities to understand that nothing is more valuable than a child's life. If they truly prioritize the well-being of a child, they should provide them with a normal environment to grow up in.

References

  1. Baklinski, T. M. (2010, April 13). Windsor Children's Aid Society Pursuing Homosexual Foster Parents. LifeSiteNews.com - Your Life, Family and Culture Outpost. Retrieved May 27, 2010, from https://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2010/apr/10041311.html
  2. Belkin, L. (2009, November 9).

Do it for the kids, a call for happy marriage | Mom Houston | MomHouston.com. Mom Houston. Retrieved May 27, 2010, from hypertext transfer protocol: //blogs.chron.com/momhouston/2009/11/do_it_for_the_children_a_call.html

  • Berk. ( 2000 ) . Gender Role Development. Web address changed.
  • Retrieved May 27, 2010, from hypertext transfer protocol: //ehlt.flinders.edu.au/education/DLiT/2002/family/gender.htm

  • Ephesians. (1995). In The Holy Bible: incorporating the Old and New Testaments, translated out of the original linguas and with the former interlingual renditions diligently compared and revised. Philadelphia, Fla: National Pub.
  • Harren, J. (2008, April 9).
  • The text can beand unified as follows:

    Retrieved on May 27th, 2010 from the following website.

  • The book of Ephesians (1995) is included in The Holy Bible which contains both the Old and New Testaments. It was translated from its original languages and carefully compared and revised. Published by National Pub in Philadelphia, Florida.
  • Written by J. Harren on April 9th, 2008.
  • Homosexuality 101: What Every Therapist, Parent, And Homosexual Should Know. NARTH Home Page. Retrieved May 25, 2010, from hypertext transfer protocol: //www.narth.com/docs/hom101.html

  • McNeill, K. ( n.d. ) .
  • The text below discusses the lack of differences between gay/lesbian and

    heterosexual parents as reviewed in the literature. It also mentions an article titled "Common Law Relationships: A Dangerous Place to Be" from the newsletters of Real Womans of Canada in 2005.

    Two articles were obtained from Real Women of Canada's website. The initial article, titled "HOW SAME-SEX MARRIAGE LEGISLATION WILL Affect OUR FUTURE," was published in 2007 and can be accessed at hypertext transfer protocol: //www.realwomenca.com/archives/newsletter/2005_july_aug/article_10.html. The second article, titled "Real Womans of Canada - Realistic, Equal, Active, for Life - Publications - Analyses," is also featured on the website and can be found at hypertext transfer protocol: //www.realwomenca.com/page/pubanalys7.html.

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