Same Sex Relationships

Question 1

Name three reasons for same-sex relationships

Answer 1

Legal changes

Decline in stigma

Secularisation

Question 2

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Legal changes

Answer 2

More recently, the age of consent has been equalised with heterosexuals
Since 2002, gay couples have had the right to adopt as married couples

The civil partnership act came in effect in 2004, where the same sex couples were given similar legal rights to married couples in respect of pensions, inheritance and property

Since 2014, same sex couples are now legally able to marry in the UK

Question 3

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Decline in stigma

Answer 3

Opinion, polls show an increase in tolerance of homosexuality overtime

Question 4

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Secularisation

Answer 4

Due to increase in secularisation, many believe that it is not a sin to be homosexual as sacred text state
In 2014. The first gay marriages took place in the UK.
Many see this as positive.

Question 5

Are Homosexual relationships and families similar or different to heterosexual ones

Similar explain why

Answer 5

Weeks Sees gays as creating families based on the idea of friendship
He describes these as chosen families, and argues that they offer the same security and stability of heterosexual families

Question 6

Are homosexual relationships and families similar or different to heterosexual

Different explain why

Answer 6

Other sociologists have noted the effect of same sex relationships of a legal framework such as civil partnerships
Because of the absence of such a framework, same-sex partners have had to negotiate their commitment and responsibilities more than married couples

This may have made same-sex relationships, both more flexible and less stable than heterosexual relationships