Introduction

We want to be able to discuss current social problems. This is how Charon and Vigilant, the authors of our textbook, define social problems:

A social condition exists as a neutral quality identified in society; for example, globalization, a market economy, marriage, divorce, class distinctions. It evolves into a social issue when people begin to debate whether or not the condition is a problem. The social issue evolves into a social problem when those who consider it a problem are able to persuade enough people that it is, and a consensus develops among many people that something needs to be done about it.

A social problem is said to exist:

• to the extent that the cause of the condition is social,
• to the extent that a social condition seriously harms large numbers of people in a society,
• to the extent that a social condition harms the continuation of the society,
• and to the extent that there is widespread agreement that the condition is wrong and must be changed.

Within the past few years, a few states have allowed weddings for same sex couples. A sufficient number of persons in the United States think that same-sex marriage constitutes a significant threat to the well-being of our society to label it a social problem. Thus, we can define the issue of same-sex marriage to be a social problem. Note that defining same-sex marriage as a "social problem" is not stating that same-sex marriages should be prohibited; rather it is recognizing that a large number of persons think that it should be prohibited and a large number of persons think it should be permitted. Thus, "same-sex marriage" is a social problem.

This issue forces us to think about our sociological perspective. Should society lean toward allowing many individual liberties or should we maintain traditions that might foster social cohesion and social solidarity? To what extent should we constrain individual liberties by requiring adherence to commonly held moral beliefs?

Because thinking about this issue forces us to face our beliefs about how best to organize society it helps us to understand our sociological perspective. Also, deciding about social policy related to same-sex marriage helps us understand our philosophical positions and our preferred approaches to building the good society.

Readings Related to Same-Sex Marriage

One can find many web sites, newspaper articles and opinion columns, and social science research articles regarding same-sex marriage. The list of readings provided here is a sampler of these materials. Please feel free to use these materials as well as others to help you answer the questions asked for the two individual response papers.

Readings That Speak in Favor of Same-Sex Marriage

1. Gay Marriage: The Arguments and Motives.
2. PFLAG: Same-Sex Marriage.
3. Top Ten Reasons for Marriage Equality.
4. Twelve Reasons Why Gay Marriage Will Ruin Society.

Readings That Speak Against Same-Sex Marriage

1. Defending Marriage: Answering the Tough Questions.
2. Defending Marriage: Debate-Tested Sound Bites.
3. Statement by U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.
4. Talking Points on Civil Unions.

Other Readings Regarding Same-Sex Marriage

1. Same-Sex Marriage: A Selective Bibliography.
2. The Sociology of Human Sexuality.
3. Four Separate Viewpoints Regarding Homosexuality.
4. Research on Children in Same-Sex Unions.