The document discusses President Obama's 2012 declaration of support for same-sex marriage, marking the first time a sitting US president backed gay marriage. It led to both immediate reactions and a potential impact on society, as support for gay rights could lead to a more equal society but also problems for Obama and traditional views of family. The document also examines same-sex relationships through the lens of sociological theories like conflict theory and functionalism, and explores why same-sex marriage has been considered taboo and deviant in society.

1. Same-Sex Marriages & Sociology
Ziona Wright 11/10/2012 Sociology

2. The President’s Affirmation
May 9th, 2012
During an interview at the White House with ABC’s Robin
Roberts, President Obama declares his support for gay marriage for the
first time. Regarding the issue, he says “I’ve just concluded that for me
personally, it is important to me to go ahead and affirm that I think same-
sex couples should be able to get married.” With the declaration, Obama
becomes the first U.S. president to back gay marriage in office.
Ziona Wright 11/10/2012 Sociology

3. The President’s Interview
Ziona Wright 11/10/2012 Sociology

4. Immediate Reactions
00:50:00
Ziona Wright 11/10/2012 Sociology

5. Impact on Society
The President’s support of gay rights can lead to a more equal
society, free from prejudice of sexual orientation and we can function
better, more unity.
This can create problems for Obama and society, especially with
elections coming up.
The statement can take away from promoting traditional family
setting, reproduction.
Gay marriage isn’t legal in most states, and in others they live by
cohabitation. Being our president, he has power to make decisions.
For a social norm, its not common for a president to be openly
supportive of same sex marriage.
Ziona Wright 11/10/2012 Sociology

6. Same-Sex Subculture
A subculture is the culture of a meso-level subcommunity that
distinguishes itself from the dominant culture if the larger society.
The LGBT community is considered a subculture
Ziona Wright 11/10/2012 Sociology

7. Related Sociological Theories
The Conflict Theory describes societies as composed of groups vying for
power. Each group protects its own self-interests and struggles to make its
own cultural ways dominant in society. (Ballantine, Roberts 87). President
Obama’s declaration of support can upset those against same sex marriage
and mess with his votes.
The Functionalist Theory assumes that all parts of the social structure, culture
and social processes work together to make the whole society run smoothly
and harmoniously (Émile Durkheim). This perspective would explain that
same-sex marriage should be determined by democracy. There is a lot of
conflict about whether legalizing same-sex marriage is beneficial to society and
the ongoing argument reflect the functionalist perspective's strive for social
cohesion.
Ziona Wright 11/10/2012 Sociology

8. Related Sociological Theories
The Labeling Theory focuses on how people define deviance – what or who is
or is “not” normal – and society’s response to unacceptable behaviors, labeling
as deviant those who violate society’s norms. Labeling theory has serious
consequences that label homosexuality as deviant in our society so people
look down on it (Ballantine, Roberts 154)
The Symbolic Interaction Theory addresses subjective materials and what it
means to the people, individual. This would be displayed in how people see
same-sex marriage. For some it symbolizes freedom of sexuality. From the
President’s view, this could symbolizes a widespread movement of acceptance
of the individual.
Ziona Wright 11/10/2012 Sociology

9. Why Same-Sex Marriage is Considered Taboo
Taboo is proscribed by society as improper or unacceptable. There are
several reasons why same-sex marriage is considered by some to be
Taboo:
Same-sex couples are not good parents
Same-sex relationships are immoral
Same-sex marriage destroy the continuation of the generation
Same-sex marriage might destroy marriages and the tradition of
marriage
Same-sex marriage can have a negative influence on children
Same-sex marriage would start us down a "slippery slope" towards
legalized incest, bestial marriage, polygamy and all manner of
other horrible consequences
Ziona Wright 11/10/2012 Sociology

10. Deviance
Deviance - the violation of social norms - gay marriage has for several
years been a form of deviance.
However, society is slowly adapting and accepting, not becoming a norm
just yet, but it’s becoming more of an “epidemic.”
This can be seen with real world examples.
Ellen DeGeneres
Ziona Wright 11/10/2012 Sociology

11. Questions from a Sociologist
What are the variety of ways that gay marriage has been socially
constructed as deviant?
Do people in gay marriages share the full economic/family/parenting/legal
rights of other couples?
If so, how has President Obama’s affirmation affected our relationships with
other nations?
Would this affect our population growth in the future?
If so, how will those opposed to same sex marriage change their views of
the president?
Will more same-sex couples feel more comfortable with their choice and
“come out?”
Ziona Wright 11/10/2012 Sociology

12. Personal Thoughts & Reflections
I AM A SUPPORTER.
I personally am a supporter of same-sex relationships and marriages. I am
pleased to have a president who also is a supporter. I don’t see any
reason to shun the anyone’s sexuality, whatever it may be. I feel there are
more important issues to be caught up in. I think that love is a personal
matter and there is so need to make huff about it. I think people who
oppose same-sex marriage are of course entitled to their own
opinions, but I support the LGBT community 110%.
Ziona Wright 11/10/2012 Sociology

13. My Bibliography
http://www.infoplease.com/news/2012/current-events/us_may.html
http://sociology.about.com/od/Sociological-Theory/a/Symbolic-Interaction-
Theory.htm
http://voices.yahoo.com/why-same-sex-marriage-taboo-4827646.html?cat=9
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20100222204008AAo5Ql1
Our Social World – Condensed Version | Second Edition
Ziona Wright 11/10/2012 Sociology