Sexuality And Marriage In Culture: Polygamy, Monogamy
Sexuality and Marriage in Culture: Polygamy, Monogamy, and Inequality
Abstract: Culture and society heavily impact one 's views on sexual relations and marriage. In this essay, societal views on polygamy, monogamy, and same-sex marriage is discussed with light criticism and personal view.
Introduction
The topic of choice can be discussed anywhere in the world and still generate entirely different views: is polygamy, monogamy, or same-sex marriage right? Many will argue polygyny is a disgusting practice, but for many it is part of their religious laws. Others argue monogamy is the only way, but criticize and slander homosexuals in a monogamous relationship. Culture, society, and religion shape the way a person views sexuality …show more content…
"[T]his is in fact only to say that for many (not all) of the good reasons why same-sex marriage should be legal, so should polygamy" (NeJaime, 2012, 248) was an opinion cast by a polygamist supporter, who believes same-sex marriage has its good and bad points, but should not be put before polygamy. Further research, however, shows that while some polygamists frown upon or are unsupportive of same-sex marriage, it was actually a common practice of polygamists in Africa. "[W]omen unions" were group marriages where an older woman would take younger women as wives to raise their children and gather their wealth (Haviland et al, 2012, pg161). Homosexuality, in most cultures and in society, is sometimes looked at as wrong. In many religions, such as Christianity, homosexuality is considered a sin. The Catholic Church has been especially cruel about homosexuals practicing the faith. Many religious people believe that marriage equality clashes with religious freedom (NeJaime, 2012, …show more content…
This is because being gay in public threatens religious freedom (1200). But along with religion, homosexual lifestyle is also being attacked by government, which is a product of both culture and society. Many states in America still don 't legally allow same-sex marriage, and some cause hypocritical problems by having anti-discrimination laws with it. So why does society and culture determine what is acceptable and what isn 't? Does it have to do with power of authority, peer pressure, or personal beliefs as well? Because of the embarrassment or fear of coming out as a homosexual, many will suppress the need to tell someone, which can cause greater internal problems and external harassment. For the future, we can hope that more anti-discrimination, bullying, and harassment laws will be put into effect all over the world. While religious views may be harder to alter on this matter, I believe it surely can be done. Many steps to this may be harder to begin than others, "[b]ut considering and codifying religious exemptions in anti-discrimination law, rather than in marriage law, is necessary for the realization of sexual orientation nondiscrimination principles" (1238). Hopefully soon homosexuality will be recognized as normal all around the world, with a strong fight for freedom of
Abstract: Culture and society heavily impact one 's views on sexual relations and marriage. In this essay, societal views on polygamy, monogamy, and same-sex marriage is discussed with light criticism and personal view.
Introduction
The topic of choice can be discussed anywhere in the world and still generate entirely different views: is polygamy, monogamy, or same-sex marriage right? Many will argue polygyny is a disgusting practice, but for many it is part of their religious laws. Others argue monogamy is the only way, but criticize and slander homosexuals in a monogamous relationship. Culture, society, and religion shape the way a person views sexuality …show more content…
"[T]his is in fact only to say that for many (not all) of the good reasons why same-sex marriage should be legal, so should polygamy" (NeJaime, 2012, 248) was an opinion cast by a polygamist supporter, who believes same-sex marriage has its good and bad points, but should not be put before polygamy. Further research, however, shows that while some polygamists frown upon or are unsupportive of same-sex marriage, it was actually a common practice of polygamists in Africa. "[W]omen unions" were group marriages where an older woman would take younger women as wives to raise their children and gather their wealth (Haviland et al, 2012, pg161). Homosexuality, in most cultures and in society, is sometimes looked at as wrong. In many religions, such as Christianity, homosexuality is considered a sin. The Catholic Church has been especially cruel about homosexuals practicing the faith. Many religious people believe that marriage equality clashes with religious freedom (NeJaime, 2012, …show more content…
This is because being gay in public threatens religious freedom (1200). But along with religion, homosexual lifestyle is also being attacked by government, which is a product of both culture and society. Many states in America still don 't legally allow same-sex marriage, and some cause hypocritical problems by having anti-discrimination laws with it. So why does society and culture determine what is acceptable and what isn 't? Does it have to do with power of authority, peer pressure, or personal beliefs as well? Because of the embarrassment or fear of coming out as a homosexual, many will suppress the need to tell someone, which can cause greater internal problems and external harassment. For the future, we can hope that more anti-discrimination, bullying, and harassment laws will be put into effect all over the world. While religious views may be harder to alter on this matter, I believe it surely can be done. Many steps to this may be harder to begin than others, "[b]ut considering and codifying religious exemptions in anti-discrimination law, rather than in marriage law, is necessary for the realization of sexual orientation nondiscrimination principles" (1238). Hopefully soon homosexuality will be recognized as normal all around the world, with a strong fight for freedom of