How Sociology is Used in the Media

Gay, Lesbian, Bisexuality, Pansexuality or Asexuality 

The article “Virginia poised to become first Southern state banning LGBT discrimination” Laura Vozzella highlights the progress being made towards ending the systematic discrimination faced by the LGBT community. Although homosexuals are beginning to get acceptance, there is still some resistance against this type of sexual orientation (Vozzella, 2020). By banning discrimination against the LGBT community, Virginia has set the right precedence for other Southern states. 

When examined using the lens of the course content, the article demonstrates the reasons why Homosexuals should not be discriminated against. The rights of homosexuals are stipulated under International Human Rights Law. According to the International Human Rights Law, every individual has a right to be treated equally and with dignity irrespective of their sexual orientation. Therefore, heterosexuals and homosexuals should be given the same opportunities in employment and healthcare. In addition, all human beings deserve to be protected from violence or mistreatment on account of their sexuality. 

Findings from a study carried out by the United Nations revealed that there have been a lot of incidents of violence against the homosexual community world-wide. Moreover, there are countries that have passed laws which are against homosexuality in its entirety. Therefore, the UN gave a few recommendations to these countries which would help them in the safe-guarding of human rights as well as homosexual rights. First, countries have a responsibility to ensure that their citizens are protected from violence, which stems from fear of transgender people or other homosexuals. Protection in this instance involves providing homosexuals with an avenue to report hate crimes and later carrying out adequate investigations. Second, governments need to establish measures which will deter people from harassing others based on their sexual orientation. 

From a theoretical perspective, the article shows why the stigma against LGBTs continues to exist. Religion has thus far been one of the main reasons for the war against homosexuals. According to the bible, marriage is meant to be between a man and woman. Therefore, religious individuals as well as church leaders have always condemned the fight for homosexual rights. Gay activists have however argued that religion should not be used as an excuse to violate other people’s rights. In fact, it is illegal in some states to discriminate against other individuals, under the guise of respecting one’s religious truths. Moreover, it is quite easy to carry on with one’s religious activities and respect the rights of homosexuals as well. Public opinions about religion tend to shape the way homosexuality is perceived. Thus, people should focus more on preaching messages of love rather than looking down on others due to their sexual orientation. 

The examination of the article has led me to the opinion that LGBTs are entitled to the same rights as heterosexuals under the International Human Rights Act. Therefore, they deserve to be protected from cases of discrimination and hate crimes that are caused by their sexual identities. In addition, religion should not be cause for discrimination as well. Individuals also need to cease discrimination against homosexuals because they were born that way. Lastly, old views and perceptions about homosexuality, such as those found in the bible should not be used as an excuse to treat homosexuals differently. In fact, people’s attitudes have transformed in comparison to the ancient periods. As a result, individuals ought to know better and refrain from engaging in discrimination of any kind. 

References 

Vozzella, L. (Feb 7, 2020). “Virginia poised to become first Southern state banning LGBT discrimination.” The Washington Post. Retrieved from https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/virginia-politics/virginia-poised-to-approve-sweeping-lgbt-rights-measures/2020/02/06/2053a190-48f8-11ea-bdbf-1dfb23249293_story.html 

Family Violence 

The article “The Worst Situation Imaginable for Family Violence” by Ashley Fetter and Solga Khazan describes the nature of intimate violence and family violence amid the Coronavirus pandemic. Most crimes go unreported by the victims. From the available statistics, intimate partner violence among couples differs between 17% and 39% annually (Fetter and Khazan, 2020). Intimate partner violence, including rape, leads to financial and on-financial costs. The financial costs pertain to medical bills and lost wages or missed costs. The non-financial costs include adverse effects on one’s psychological wellbeing, depression, and slowed career progress. While the infrastructure to address intimate violence exists, more should be done to encourage people to report their spouses 

In relation to the course, violence is described as an act aimed at causing harm or physical pain to another person. Domestic violence can be defined as threatening and abusive behavior in a physical, emotional or sexual context that is found between couples, people living in the same household or immediate family members. Both men and women can be victims of domestic violence which affects people of all ages, races and class. 

From a theoretical viewpoint, the reading illustrates the importance of gender, intimacy, power, and stress in family violence. In regards to gender, violence by men is more frequent and more severe. Power facilitates the leading drive in family violence. Stress can increase the risk of violence but is not the leading cause. Lastly, intimacy can legitimize violence since love and family are perceived as private. While women are just as likely as men to engage in battering, women’s violence is usually situational. It does not lead to severe injury, while men’s is typically more violent and extreme. Women of all ages, races, and socioeconomic standings endure family violence. However, intimate violence is more prevalent in low-income women. Male abusers use violence as a method of executing control of their partners or to compensate for a perceived shortcoming. Contrary to the popular notion, only a small percentage of men who were raised by violent parents become violent as adults. Overall, the article illuminates nature of family violence. 

From the reading, I can assert that family violence is as a major societal problem worldwide. For example, deaths or injuries caused by domestic abuse are thought to be higher than related tragedies caused by diseases such as malaria and cancer, war and traffic accidents all combined. In most cases of domestic violence, it is the abused partner who receives the most attention and support. Unfortunately, this means that children are often left as the hidden victim of the abuse cycle despite experiencing trauma due to being exposed to such environments. 

References 

Fetter, A., & Khazan, O. (May 8, 2020). “The Worst Situation Imaginable for Family Violence.” The Atlantic . Retrieved from https://www.theatlantic.com/family/archive/2020/05/challenge-helping-abuse-victims-during-quarantine/611272/ 

Adoption 

The article “Eric Sogard, wife discuss their adoption process” by Lance Allan highlights the intricate process of adoption. Allan (2020) highlights that there is an intersection of variables that determine whether children will be adopted. The first key factor is the age. A child’ who is below five years old enhances his/her probability of being adopted. It is common knowledge that foster parents look for infants or young children as it easy for them to transition into a new home set up. Further, foster parents typically believe that could forge tighter bonds with younger children since they may never know that they are not their biological parents ( Allan, 2020) . Another critical factor is the child’s behavior. A child who has no history of behavioral problems is likely to be adopted as the foster parents will perceive that this child will be easier to raise. 

The course content articulates that to prepare for the adoption process, one should be prepared in the physical and psychological sense. The first step is to prepare for the home study. Before the parents adopt, they will need to undertake a home study. This is an examination of the family’s health, financial ability, and sociological status. They should seek the agency’s guidance for this process. After gathering all the required documents, from tax records to birth certificates, the social worker will come and interview the family. To that end, the parents should have plan of how the baby will fit into their lives, articulate their parenting ideology and style, and have insight into the feelings of other family members about the adoption (Barth, 2017). It is also important to prepare psychologically for the adoption process since it is a tough feeling when one feels that his/her family us under a microscope. The parents should keep in mind that it is a rare occurrence for prospective parents to get a negative recommendation thus should maintain a positive attitude. On that note, it is important that the prospective parents are clear about everything from the onset to avoid any frictions in the future. 

When preparing a child for adoption, it is important to keep in mind that children may not have the ability to move on to the next level of acceptance and understanding without caring adults who recognize that their feelings and questions are acceptable normal; this includes those for which adults may not be able to answer. With that in mind, the first preparation entails maximizing the potential for a successful and sustainable adoptive placement by building the child’s self-esteem and enabling him/her to play an active part in the process. Second, one should develop the preparation activities with the child’s developmental aptitude to comprehend in mind. This enables the child to comprehend the changes that come with adoption as they develop and grow, and this understating continues to expand throughout the child’s life. 

After analyzing the adoption process, I believe that the school setting plays a big role in helping an adopted child adjust to the new way of life . The adoption messages, both explicit and implicit, the children derive from school have a big influence on their feelings about self-worth and the adoption itself. Teachers can help children feel comfortable and confident with adoption by demonstrating sensitivity to adoption issues and discussing adoption in the class setting in a positive way. It is important for a teacher to learn about respectful adoption language, and adjusting assignments to suit non-traditional family set-ups. On that note, teachers should seek to collaborate with parents to understand a child’s unique adoption-centered emotional, behavioral, and social difficulties. Lastly, the teacher should respect a child’s right to privacy, but should be ready to act if the child is treated differently by his/her peers due to their adoption. In this regard, it is important for the teacher to keep in mind that he/she should not put the adopted child under the spotlight. A teacher should not overstep his/her boundaries to maintain a welcoming environment for the adopted child. 

Reference 

Allan, L.(24 May 2020).“Eric Sogard, wife discuss their adoption process.” Yahoo News . Retrieved from https://news.yahoo.com/eric-sogard-wife-discuss-adoption-160106297.html 

Blended Families 

The article “Estate planning tips for blended families” by Brett Millard describes the form and type of blended families. These families are usually described as step-families. They are made up of two adults and their families trying to blend into a single fully-functioning family (Millard, 2020). Blended families are marked by structural differences since almost every member of the family has lost a significant relationship. Also, the roles of the step-parents lack models and are ill-defined. Additionally, many children are part of a household of a non-custodial parent. Blended also families encompass binuclear families. The families are comprised of two nuclear families; the maternal nuclear family and the paternal one (Millard, 2020). Binuclear families include both single-parent families and stepfamilies. These families are increasingly becoming common due to recoupling or remarriage. 

In relation to the course, step families tend to occur due to remarriage. Remarriage is described as a marriage in which one or both partners have been married previously. The rate of remarriage of men is usually higher than that of women. Children decrease the probability of remarriage for parents, especially women. The women’s chance of remarriage decreases as they age due to the cultural association of attractiveness of youthfulness. Men and women who have jobs and socialize with coworkers are more likely to marry than those who are not employed. Remarriages have specific characteristics. First, individuals appear to be more satisfied in second marriages than the first ones; however, divorce is more probable in the second marriage. The higher likelihood of divorce is due to the perception that remarriages are incomplete institutions. 

The topic of blended families brings to light the theory of cohabitation. Around 50% of people who remarry after a divorce formally cohabit before remarrying. Post-divorce cohabitation is more common today than premarital cohabitation. Moreover, marital quality and happiness seem to be lower among pre-remarriage cohabiters. On that note, cohabiters are typically unsure of a lifetime together and typically live independently of each other. 

The focus on blended families has made me to reflect on the challenges as well as the benefits of step-parents. Step-parenting leads to significant challenges due to conflicts. The conflicts arise due to favoritism, divided loyalties, lack of discipline in the children, unequal division of money, goods, and services among family members. While these challenges exist, stepfamilies also have significant benefits for the children. The children gain additional role models and are exposed to new ideas. Also, the stepparent and step-siblings offer extra support and provide an important source of socialization. 

References 

Millard, B. (May 25, 2020. “Estate planning tips for blended families.” Castanet. Retrieved from https://www.castanet.net/news/It-s-Your-Money/300832/Estate-planning-tips-for-blended-families 

Births outside Marriage 

The article “Middle class marriage is declining, and likely deepening inequality” by Richard Reeves and Christopher Pulliam reveals the trends pertaining to non-marital births in the United States. The record number of children born to unmarried women was seen in 2010 (Reeves and Pulliam, 2020). Also, the percentage of non-marital births differs according to racial and ethnic groups. The increase in on-marital births has coincided with the number of couples who do not become parents (Reeves and Pulliam, 2020). The decision to remain childless may be due to infertility or lifestyle choices. 

The article reveals the common characteristics in women who voluntarily remain childless. They include high-status jobs, less traditional notions about gender, lack of religious affiliation, and less conventional family attitudes. The inclination towards deferred parenting is also increasing. While most women who become mothers give birth in their twenties, the trend toward later parenthood is growing. This trend is attributed to increased lifestyle and career options for single women, reproduction and marriage are no longer social and economic necessities, and increased effectiveness of birth control measures. 

The increase in on-marital births has coincided with the rise in single parent families. Single-parent families have specific common characteristics. First, the families created by births to unwed mothers are more common than those arising from divorce. These families receive little social support. Secondly, over 85% of single-parent families are headed by a female, who is likely to be living in poverty due to gender discrimination in jobs and wages. Third, African American single-parent families are more likely to be living in poverty than in Caucasian or Hispanic families. Fourth, single-parent families can take many forms, including live-in partners or the parent’s outside romantic partner. Due to parental needs, there is increased flexibility in regards to housing arrangements and child care. The transitional form describes single-parent families that occur to divorce. On the other hand, there are intentional single families where the women have not a suitable partner. Lesbians and Gays can also be single parents due to a lack of marriage rights. It means that a child can only have one legal parent. 

I believe that in the light of information of non-marital births, it is important to look at the negative and positive effect of single-parent families. Research has discovered some negative consequences for children in single-parent families like academic performance, physical health, and behavioural issues. Also, children may need to cope with their parent’s stress, loneliness, and depression. However, there are also positive outcomes associated with these families like a child learning to take on responsibility and feeling less pressure to adhere to traditional gender roles. 

References 

Reeves, R & Pulliam, C. (March 11, 2020). “Middle class marriage is declining, and likely deepening inequality.” Brookings Institute. Retrieved https://www.brookings.edu/research/middle-class-marriage-is-declining-and-likely-deepening-inequality/ 

Marriage Trends and Statistics 

The article “U.S. Marriage Rate Hits Historic Low” by Gaby Galvin focuses on marriage in American society. Marriage acts as the foundation of American families. On that note, the article reveals around 53.6% of Americans who are above 18 years are married (Galvin, 2020). The fact that more than half of adults are married shows the importance of marriage in American society. While the number of married people is high, the rate of divorce is also significant. In 2010, the divorce rate was 17.5% per 1,000 women in their first marriage (Galvin, 2020). Due to this, the U.S has one of the highest rates of divorce in Western societies. Indeed, forecasts dictate that more than 40% of new marriages end up in divorce. 

The article demonstrates the retreat from marriage that is happening in society. Consequently, singlehood, births to unmarried mothers and cohabitation have significantly increased in the last thirty years. Moreover, surveys indicate that many people who are married feel that marriage is becoming obsolete. A section of academics assert that a retreat from marriages has happened in the U.S in recent times. The retreat is marked by trends like more people never marrying, the high divorce rate, and increases in on-marital births and cohabitation. 

While looking at retreat, it is important to examine the demographic and economic aspects that discourage marriage. Retreat from marriage is not the same between social groups. There are educational, racial, and economic differences that can be highlighted. Nevertheless, even if a low socioeconomic status decreases the probability of marriage, it may not indicate a mind-set of rejecting marriage. The three common barriers to marriage among low-income unmarried couples with children are financial concerns, concerns centered on the longevity and quality of relationships, and the fear of divorce. On top of social class and race, a person’s religion is a vital factor that can determine whether one chooses to marry. 

Despite the openness towards gay couples, there is some controversy regarding same-sex marriages. While many states continue to restrict homosexual marriages, there are states which allow same-sex couples to marry. This number is bound to increase as the attitudes towards same-sex couples continue to change. On a global level, same-sex marriages are allowed in many European countries and South Africa. 

The article also reflects the current marriage market, that is, how and why people choose their marriage partner. According to the concept of endogamy, people typically marry those from within a similarly large group like nationality, socioeconomic status, or ethnic status in which they belong. This is because they have many mutual beliefs, understandings, and experiences. On the other hand, exogamy states people are required to marry certain groups like outside a person’s own family and outside a person’s sex. The interaction between exogamy and endogamy acts to restrict the scope of eligible partners. The social focus on homogamy reinforces this restriction; it is the tendency of selecting a partner whose group or personal characteristics are similar. On that note, most marriages are between people of the same race. 

From my point of view, the success of marriages depends on background, personality, and relationship factors. Marriage is also based on three types of commitments, including personal, moral, and structural commitments. Research indicates that the presence of children lowers marital satisfaction and increases marital conflict. This occurrence is instigated by the fact the marriage becomes more centered on rearing the children rather than the quality of the marriage relationship or the needs of the spouses. 

References 

Galvin, G. (April 29, 2020). ““U.S. Marriage Rate Hits Historic Low.” U.S News. Retrieved from https://www.usnews.com/news/healthiest-communities/articles/2020-04-29/us-marriage-rate-drops-to-record-low 

Caregiving for Family Members 

The article “What Should I Do if I Think My Child Has Autism?” by Catherine Zuckerman highlights the difficulties parents face when taking care of a child with autism. 

Autism is a multifaceted disorder that has a broad scope of symptoms. Children with ASD encounter various challenges which necessitate the parents to be involved in virtually all aspects of their lives (Zuckerman, 2020). Consequently, the parents are also faced with various difficulties. Among the most prominent issues is parental stress. Parental stress interferes with quality of life and the social life of the parents (Zuckerman, 2020). Taking care of a child with ASD is also quite costly due to the out of pocket expenses. Due to these difficulties, it is important for parents to seek early diagnosis and intervention to help them cope with the difficulties. 

In relation to the course, there is a plethora of effects of children with ASD on parents, with stress being the most prominent. Autistic children are described as problems on the depression and anxiety of parents. The relation a child’s behavioral issues and care-related problems leads to an increase in parental stress The stress that parents face is not only attributed to behavioral problems as it also has a negative effect on the outcomes of interventions. There are some vital variables which are related to parental stress in children with ASD, including absence of spousal support, loss of personal control, and loss of professional and informal support. Adjusting to the reality of the child’s situation, finance and housing are other variables that impact parental stress. Increased stress is one of the main signs that the child’s condition is taking a toll on the parents. 

Since stress is the main impact on parents, it is important to further examine the association between ASD and parenting stress. Parenting stress is described as the experience of discomfort or distress due to the demands related to the role of parents . Parental stress is a key predictor for the outcomes of intervention in autistic children like decreased levels of developmental improvement in behavioral interventions, such as reduced development of communication, language, as well as other adaptive behaviors. Maternal stress is related to the household duties of caring for a child with ASD. Stigma is also an important variable that can cause depression for the mother. Studies show that since mothers are involved in the child’s care all the time, they encounter more difficulties than the father. 

From my viewpoint, Autism also has a social effect on parents since it interferes with interpersonal relationships. The signs of autism include socialization, behavioral, communication impairments, along with minimum social skills. Due to these shortcomings, the parents have to adjust their patterns of socialization to suit the child’s needs. It means that the parents face various kinds of challenges. The challenge begins early and endures for a lifetime. Fundamentally, it will reduce the social interactions of the parents as taking care of a child with ASD is a full time and non-relenting task. The quality of social relationships with extended family members and friends may reduce due to taking care of an autistic child. 

References 

Zuckerman, C. (April 30, 2020). “What Should I Do if I Think My Child Has Autism?” New York Times . Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/30/parenting/toddler/autism-early-diagnosis.html