Same-Sex Couples, Families, and Marriage: Embracing and Resisting Heteronormativity

This article focuses on lesbian and gay couples and families and the politics of same-sex marriage. Drawing from the literature on same-sex couples, same-sex marriage, and queer theory's concept of heteronormativity, we argue that gay and lesbian couples and families both affirm and challenge h...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Sociology compass 2013-02, Vol.7 (2), p.97-110
Main Authors: Hopkins, Jason J., Sorensen, Anna, Taylor, Verta
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Couples
Family
Family Relations
Heterosexuality
Homosexuality
Lesbianism
Marriage
Politics
Sex Role Identity
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Summary:This article focuses on lesbian and gay couples and families and the politics of same-sex marriage. Drawing from the literature on same-sex couples, same-sex marriage, and queer theory's concept of heteronormativity, we argue that gay and lesbian couples and families both affirm and challenge heterosexual and gendered family forms. First, we review literature that discusses how same-sex relationships and families are similar to and different from conventional heterosexual relationships and families. Second, we discuss the socio-legal and cultural inequalities faced by LGBT families. Third, we discuss the politics of same-sex marriage, examining the debate among social conservatives, pro-marriage activists, and queer critics over the desirability of same-sex marriage. We conclude that the growing visibility of LGBT couples and families has made their exclusion from the institution of marriage more conspicuous and that recognition of LGBT relationships and families seems likely to increase. Adapted from the source document.
ISSN:1751-9020
1751-9020
DOI:10.1111/soc4.12016