need a reading response. ( two pages, in 5 hours)

10/18/2017 Yuzu: Psychology of Gender: Fourth Edition

https://reader.yuzu.com/#/books/9781317345046/cfi/6/36!/4/2/2/2@0:0 1/2

SIDEBAR 9.1: Support for Same-Sex Marriage Gay and lesbian relationships have received more recent attention over the past few years in the United States as the subject of same-sex marriage has become pivotal in political elections. Historically, Denmark was the first country in the world to allow same-sex partnerships in 1989. In 1998, the Netherlands was the first country to legalize same-sex marriage. Today, other countries have followed suit, such as Belgium, Spain, Canada, and South Africa. In the United States, Vermont became the first state in the nation to permit civil unions between gay men and lesbians in 2000. These civil unions provide most of the rights and responsibilities of marriage. Connecticut and New Jersey also allow civil unions. In 2004, Massachusetts became the first state to allow same-sex marriage, and in 2005, Canada legalized same-sex marriage. These recent actions have aroused a furor in many states, leading the vast majority of states to develop laws or constitutional amendments to ban same-sex marriage. To date, every state except nine (Connecticut, Iowa, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New Mexico, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island, and Vermont) has prohibited same-sex marriage (NPR, 2009; State of Hawaii, 1998; State of Washington, 1998). Thus legal certificates that allow same-sex marriage or civil unions in other states or countries will not be recognized by the majority of the United States. See each state’s position on same-sex marriage in Figure 9.1.

Without the right to marriage, many gay men and lesbian women opt for commitment ceremonies. However, the commitment ceremony does not seem to have the same meaning as marriage—in part because it is not accompanied by the same legal rights. Interviews with gays and lesbians in long-term relationships showed that the vast majority would opt for marriage if they had the opportunity (Reczek, Elliott, & Umberson, 2009).

One of the primary objections people raise with respect to gay and lesbian marriage is that it will have an adverse effect on “family values.” One study examined this claim and found no relation of a state’s same-sex marriage policies to marriage rates, divorce rates, number of abortions, or the number of children born to single women (Langbein & Yost, 2009). Over the past 20 years, attitudes toward homosexuality have changed from being mostly negative to mostly positive (Lubbers, Jaspers, & Ultee, 2009). Acceptance of homosexual relationships also has gathered increasing support. In 2001, 40% of Americans approved of homosexual relations; by 2010, the rate had increased to 52% (Saad, 2010). Likewise, support for same-sex marriage is gradually increasing—especially among younger people. Although the majority of Americans oppose same-sex marriage, the opposition number has decreased from 68% in 1996 to 53% in 2010 (Jones, 2010). People who are opposed to same-sex marriage tend to be Republican, evangelical, and less educated (Fleischmann & Moyer, 2009). The majority of younger people (ages 18–29) support gay marriage (Teixeira, 2009).

The similarity principle also prevails— the first woman is a huge sports fan and is looking for a sports fan. The second woman likes spending time with family and is looking for someone who is family oriented. The first man emphasizes his interest in sports and music and wanting someone with the same interests. As you will see later, there are important qualities desired by both women and men such as a good sense of humor, honesty, and caring.

10/18/2017 Yuzu: Psychology of Gender: Fourth Edition

https://reader.yuzu.com/#/books/9781317345046/cfi/6/36!/4/2/2/2@0:0 2/2

TABLE 9.1

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FIGURE 9.1The status of same-sex marriage in the United States.

PERSONAL ADS Women Seeking Men

A little about me: 35-year-old white female; thick/curvy and very attractive; professional, highly educated; independent; great sense of humor; huge sports fan; consider myself loyal, honest, caring person.

A little about what I’m looking for: SINGLE male between 29–43; open to all races, ethnicities; has a steady job, own place; good sense of humor; sports fan; a man who can handle an independent woman with a career. Interested in meeting a down to earth Caucasian fellow, age 35–45; looking for qualities such as stability, responsibility, class, good parent to their kids if they have any, able to manage their finances, likes to travel and have fun; would prefer someone who is family oriented. I’m attractive, educated, down to earth, own my home, enjoy cooking; like spending time with family.

Men Seeking Women I’m 28, black, employed and a student, sports fan, honest, very talented, tall; have my own everything (car, apartment, etc); love music, dining out, travel. Hopefully you are: I prefer white or Latina/Hispanic, love sports, music; like to travel, dress well, attractive. I’m a 27 year old guy wanting to meet a petite lady; I’m hardworking, smart, and passionate; great sense of humor; please be 5′3″ and under, very thin to medium build.

Source: pittsburgh.craigslist.org 7/28/10.