Gay Marriage and Society's Perception
Gay marriage is a union of two individuals who identify as the same sex. Even though they are legal in some nations, marriages are strongly frowned upon by many different cultures, religions, social mores, and ethnicities. They are condemned because they are in opposition to the sacred institutions of marriage and procreation. Gay marriages are prohibited by religion because according to the Bible and the Quran, marriage must be between a man and a woman (Daniel, 2010).
The Role of Sociology in Addressing Gay Marriage
One can comprehend the fundamentals of the human connections that society accepts by studying sociology. As a result, sociology has been useful in addressing a variety of societal issues, including gay marriage. To overcome social problems in society such as gay marriages, a society needs to strongly uphold the social norms. Education on the need for such norms ought to be done to all generations. It will be one way of ensuring that everyone in the society is enlightened about the norms (Lake-Corral, 2016). The study of sociology, on the other hand, aids in guiding a common ground, as it teaches about relationships that the society accepts. Therefore, the study of social problems and what the society accepts helps in dealing with social problems in society.
The Role of Legislation in Combating Gay Marriage
However, though culture and social norms taught play a big role in dealing with social problems such as gay marriages, there is always a need for an intervention from legislation. Most of the countries practicing these social evils have had it allowed through the authority (Daniel, 2010). Therefore, the law-makers need to be part and parcel of helping to eradicate these social evils in society. If the legislation disallows them, the citizens will avoid such social evils in respect for their laws.
The Impact of Gay Marriage on Social Norms and Discrimination
If social challenges like gay marriages are allowed to continue being practiced in society, it means that social norms, cultures, and values are no longer respected. A society that fails to maintain its norms is considered rotten. These stereotypes will be passed on from one generation to another. There will be discrimination in instances where some people, who devalue social norms, are regarded as outcasts (Lake-Corral, 2016). Some communities are prejudiced towards those practicing gay marriage. It has also led to racism, in which a certain race practices gay marriage, and thus, the other races will be discriminating against them.
Individual Responsibility and Upholding Social Norms
Individually, one should always ensure that his/her actions are not violating the social norms and values. Maintaining social norms is one way through which one respects the culture. Gay marriage is a social taboo that is not accepted in religions and by society (Lake-Corral, 2016). Therefore, as an individual, one ought to ensure that his/her actions are uplifting the good values that the society accepts.
Conclusion
Generally, gay marriages are highly condemned by both religion and society. The study of sociology has, however, played an important role in ensuring that the foundation of society is well understood. Though society is against social evils such as gay marriage, there is a need to get support from the high office in the land through making good laws that adhere to social norms (Daniel, 2010). To uphold good values in society, it will start with an individual understanding how to live socially good in society. Dealing with social evil starts with having a society that upholds its values, law-makers who support the society's values and cultures in law-making.
References
Daniel, R. (2010). “In Best Interests of the Child”: Lesbian and Gay Parenting Custody Cases, 1967-1985. Journal of Social History, vol. 43, no.4: 7-74.
Lake-Corral, L. T. (2016). Content and coverage of “culture” in introductory sociology textbooks. Saarbrücken, Germany.
