Introduction
The question of homosexuality has produced numerous problems in the society. This is the case because the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) community is opposed to the ideals and norms supported by the contemporary society. Many people also believe that homosexuality is “a malpractice that threatens the institution of marriage” (Elliott, 2011, p. 41). This situation has produced a major conflict that threatens the relationship between homosexuals and heterosexuals in the society. The “dominant notion in many American communities is that women and men should marry in order to safeguard the future of the human population” (Wester, Pionke, & Vogel, 2005, p. 197). This discussion examines how the problem arising from homosexuality can be addressed using conflict theory.
Social Problem: Gay and Lesbian Relationships
The LGBT community “has become a critical subculture with unique values, ideologies, and social norms” (Feldblum, 2006, p. 85). The agreeable fact is that this subculture has distinguished itself from the aspects of the dominant society. More people are also claiming to belong to this subculture. As well, many individuals in the society believe that the subculture is unrealistic. This is the case because it does not follow the norms embraced by the wider community. Members of this subculture also have their unique views that differ significantly from those of the wider community. Many opponents believe that “such members promote same-sex marriages thus threatening the future of the human population” (Wester et al., 2005, p. 198).
Feldblum (2006) believes that the ideologies and behaviors embraced by the LGBT community differ significantly from those promoted by the contemporary society. Many communities have also described same-sex marriage as an unacceptable taboo. Many citizens treat homosexually as something unacceptable. Different theorists have identified various reasons why same-sex marriage is unacceptable in many communities today. For example, many skeptics argue that homosexuality is something immoral. The relationship has also been “condoned by different religious faiths” (Feldblum, 2006, p. 76). The relationship also has the potential to destroy various traditions that have been practiced for centuries. For instance, the behavior has “the potential to affect human posterity” (Feldblum, 2006, p. 79). This is something true because homosexuals cannot have children. They will also be unable to become good parents.
Some people have also argued that same-sex marriages can affect the developmental stages of children (Elliott, 2011). The malpractice can produce numerous consequences and eventually make it impossible for many societies to achieve their goals. The tradition of “marriage is also under threat because of homosexuality” (Feldblum, 2006, p. 76). Some experts believe that homosexuality is something closely associated with social deviance. Elliott (2011) defines “deviance as the continued violation of various social norms” (p. 41). That being the case, gay marriage is treated by many people as a sign of social deviance.
The above argument shows clearly that homosexuality is a major social problem. This is true because many people are against the practice. According to them, lesbianism has the potential to destroy the foundations and principles of the society. Many parents are unhappy with this subculture because it threatens every moral value. More youths are also joining the subculture. This explains why gay marriage is treated as a form of deviance in many societies (Wester et al., 2005). The contemporary society also believes strongly that such relationships will eventually produce more problems. The malpractice will eventually affect the position of the society and make it impossible for young people to realize their goals.
It is “agreeable fact is that many people in the American society respect the institution of marriage” (Feldblum, 2006, p. 85). Marriage is also defined “as the union of a woman and a man” (Elliott, 2011, p. 42). That being the case, individuals of the same gender do not quality to become lovers or couples. Lesbians and gays have therefore been fighting for respect in a society that does not support homosexuality. Subhi and Geelan (2014) argue that “the concept of homosexuality will continue to be debated in the future” (p. 5). This argument explains why the society has continued to witness numerous campaigns and protests in different parts of the world.
It is agreeable that many citizens in the United States are heterosexuals. This means that “such people will only support the traditional idea of marriage whereby a man is married to a woman” (Wester et al., 2005, p. 199). Such individuals also have the highest number of votes thus dictating the laws made in the country. The concept of homosexually is known to conflict with that of traditional marriage. Homosexuals face numerous obstacles and challenges because the contemporary community is against their values. This fact explains why the issue of homosexuality presents a major social problem. New ideas and laws will be identified in an attempt to deal with this social issue.
According to many heterosexuals, gay and lesbian relationships tend to promote various risky behaviors. Such behaviors are common among students and celebrities. The society has therefore been using various avenues and gatherings to denounce the concept of homosexuality. Many religious leaders “have also presented their ideas regarding the issue of homosexuality” (Subhi & Geelan, 2014, p. 2). These leaders focus on the best practices and norms that can support the future of the society. However, the LGBT community has continued to voice its concerns and needs. Every LGBT member is “fighting for recognition of his or her rights” (Subhi & Geelan, 2014, p. 2). Various theories have therefore been presented in an attempt to address this social problem.
The ideas supported by many individuals in the society have produced new controversies. This move has raised numerous questions in the United States and beyond. Different societies “are slowly by slowly allowing same-sex couples to stay together and even share their finances” (Feldblum, 2006, p. 89). However, such societies have not legitimized the union of these same-sex couples. This fact shows clearly that there is a major conflict in different communities across the globe. Experts have also argued that more people in the coming years will become tolerant and even embrace such same-sex marriages. However, the outstanding fact is that this goal will take long before becoming a reality. That being the case, a powerful strategy is needed in order to address the problems and challenges arising from this controversial issue.
Applying Conflict Theory to the Social Problem
Sociologists use various models and theories to analyze different societies. The society is usually treated as a complex union bringing together many people from different backgrounds. Such individuals also tend to have different views, expectations, economic potentials, and resources (Subhi & Geelan, 2014). As a result, conflict becomes something common because of such differences and struggles.
Conflict theory has therefore been “a powerful model for examining the positions of many individuals in the society” (Humphrey & Palmer, 2012, p. 108). This theory “borrows a lot from the works by Karl Marx” (Humphrey & Palmer, 2012, p. 17). According to the theorist, the society is characterized by different groups that are constantly competing for various resources, ideas, goals, and economic positions. Conflict theorists strongly believe that homosexuals have for years been ignored. Such homosexuals also believe that they may never achieve their potentials in a world dominated by heterosexuals. Gays and lesbians “have therefore been fighting for their rights in a world that is against same-sex marriage” (Humphrey & Palmer, 2012, p. 108).
Humphrey and Palmer (2012) give a detailed comparison between race relations and same-sex marriages in the United States. History shows that different minority races have taken long before realizing their rights. According to Subhi and Geelan (2014), interracial marriages used to be outlawed in the country for several decades. New laws were passed to encourage interracial relationships and marriages. This new move addressed a major problem that had affected many people in the country. This concept explains how the conflict between heterosexuals and homosexuals might change in the coming years. Many leaders in the society are usually not ready to embrace new practices or norms. They do so in order to retain their positions in the society. This fact explains why different conflicts continue to affect every contemporary society.
The “conflict theory argues that every society will always be composed of groups fighting for dominance” (Subhi & Geelan, 2014, p. 5). Such groups are constantly using different resources and ideas to protect their rights and self-interests. At the same time, the other groups will focus on their goals thus resulting in constant conflicts. This fact explains why every social group fights hard in order to protect its self-interests. This is done in an attempt to support various cultural values and behaviors. The LGBT community has therefore been fighting for recognition. Such efforts have succeeded because new laws continue support their rights.
The power-conflict theory also presents new insights that can be used to analyze the issue of homosexuality. For instance, powerful homosexuals such as celebrities have been fighting for recognition. Such individuals want the entire society to know that they are homosexuals. At the same time, some “homosexuals are not ready to announce their sexual orientation” (Humphrey & Palmer, 2012, p. 108). Such individuals include the poor who do not have enough bargaining power. The individuals use their resources in order to emerge successful. Members of the LGBT community have also been coming together in order to increase their bargaining power. They “have been doing so in order to deal with issues such as loneliness, discrimination, and negative labeling” (Humphrey & Palmer, 2012, p. 109). The positions supported by different heterosexuals continue to affect the expectations of the LGBT community.
The issue of homosexuality also affects the economic and political aspects of the country. Many homosexuals want “to be recognized in the society and form their work unions” (Subhi & Geelan, 2014, p. 2). At the same time, the heterosexual community is against the idea because it does not conform to the norms of the society. President Obama’s decision “to support same-sex marriages is something that can upset many heterosexuals in the country” (Wester et al., 2005, p. 201). This move can also have significant implications on President Obama’s political influence.
According to Wester et al. (2005), social conflict theory explains how different groups in the society will always be unequal. As a result, such groups will fight constantly in order to achieve their potentials. This argument explains why homosexuality is a major social conflict that continues to affect the rights and positions of many people in the American community. Different leaders have presented their views regarding the future of homosexuality. Many homosexuals have also been presenting their ideologies in an attempt to support same-sex marriages. This situation shows clearly that more people will continue to fight for recognition in the society.
New laws have been passed in order to support the rights of such homosexuals. Same-sex marriages have also been legalized in America. However, this move has been received differently by many people across the country. This is the case because “many heterosexuals have been disgusted by the idea” (Subhi & Geelan, 2014, p. 2). Members of the contemporary society have organized numerous campaigns in an attempt to ridicule the decision. At the same time, members of the LGBT community have supported such laws because they promote their expectations. This argument explains how the conflict will take different twists in the future. It is therefore agreeable that “the conflict will not end any time soon” (Wester et al., 2005, p. 202). Social conflict theory therefore offers powerful ideas towards understanding the complexity of this social problem.
The current situation shows clearly that more heterosexuals want the norms of the society to be respected. According to such heterosexuals, any attempt to support the needs of the LGBT community will eventually affect the foundations of the contemporary society. The individuals propose that marriage is a holy institution that should be supported by the government. The group wants the government “to pass laws that support the institution in order to safeguard the future of humanity” (Wester et al., 2005, p. 198). These individuals have been arranging different protests and campaigns in the recent past.
On the other hand, gays and lesbians want the government to recognize their rights. They believe that the government should pass laws that safeguard their expectations. These conflicting needs have resulted in numerous tensions in the American society. Such people have been afraid to show their sexual orientations. This development explains why “members of the contemporary society believe that the decision to legitimize same-same marriages will eventually affect the traditional values of marriage” (Bilodeau & Renn, 2012, p. 7). Recent studies show clearly that more people are joining the LGBT community.
Addressing the Social Problem: Suggestions and Recommendations
The increasing number of gays and lesbians is something that appears to threaten the norms of every contemporary society. Many parents believe that this subculture is a major threat facing the society. Many individuals in the society have identified new strategies in order to tackle this problem. However, the efforts employed by such individuals have not produced the targeted goals (Bilodeau & Renn, 2012). That being the case, scholars can use the conflict theory to address this social problem. This move will reduce the problems and notions associated with this social issue. The important goal is to ensure every person is able to achieve his or her goals in life.
The theory argues that conflicts will always exist in every society. According to the theory, the existence of norms brings members of a specific group together. A “norm is usually accepted by every person in the group because it promotes the best outcomes” (Wester et al., 2005, p. 205). Members of the society should therefore consider the issues associated with homosexuality and treat it as something that cannot be changed. This is true because the number of LGBTs is increasing gradually. Members of this subculture will also continue to fight for their rights in the future. The important goal is “ensuring that every person is free to exercise his or her will” (Wester et al., 2005, p. 205). This move will increase the level of tolerance and eventually result in economic development.
Scholars and theorists should offer numerous ideas in order to educate more individuals in the society. It is agreeable that many conservatives believe strongly that the decision to support same-sex marriages will affect the society. However, studies have indicated that the move will not affect the future of the society. Elliott (2011) encourages “members of the LGBT community to fight hard in order to achieve their goals” (p. 42). They should also prove to the mainstream society that they are normal people with unique expectations in life (Bilodeau & Renn, 2012). The theory also explains why homosexuality should no longer be treated as a form of deviance. The society should recognize the expectations of this subculture and support it. This strategy will deal with the current conflicts that affect the socio-economic positions of many citizens.
It is notable that the American society is accepting the idea of homosexuality. More people are also tolerating the subculture than ever before. Some heterosexuals have also recognized the needs of these gays and lesbians. Studies show that “more people are currently supporting same-sex marriages and relationships” (Bilodeau & Renn, 2012, p. 5). The conflict theory offers powerful arguments that support every person’s sexuality. The theory encourages members of the society to focus on the most important issues that can eventually support their economic needs. The important goal is to reduce these conflicts and eventually achieve the best economic goals.
Conclusion
The social conflict theory explains how homosexuality has caused numerous concerns in different societies. This is the case many people are against the rights of the subculture. Conflict theorists therefore offer powerful incentives that can be used to address this social problem. They have offered two unique dimensions that can be used to understand the validity of same-sex marriages. According to such theorists, heterosexuals will always embrace and support traditional households. At the same time, homosexuals will continue to fight for their sexual rights and expectations. That being the case, tolerance is needed in order to empower these two groups. The strategy will eventually minimize these societal conflicts.
Reference List
Bilodeau, B., & Renn, K. (2012). Analysis of LGBT Identify Development Models and Implications for Practice. Web.
Elliott, G. (2011). When Values and Ethics Conflict: The Counselor’s Role and Responsibility. Alabama Counseling Association, 37(1), 39-45.
Feldblum, C. (2006). Moral Conflict and Liberty: Gay Rights and Religion. Brooklyn Law Review, 72(1), 61-109.
Humphrey, J., & Palmer, S. (2012). Deviant Behavior: Patterns, Sources, and Control. New York, NY: Springer.
Subhi, N., & Geelan, D. (2014). When Christianity and Homosexuality Collide: Understanding the Potential Intrapersonal Conflict. Web.
Wester, S., Pionke, D., & Vogel, D. (2005). Male Gender Role Conflict, Gay Men, and Same-Sex Romantic Relationships. Psychology of Men and Masculinity, 6(3), 195-208.