Gender Roles

Recent studies have revealed evidence that homosexual marriages contain positive aspects that are not found as often in heterosexual marriages. Indeed, the research shows that there are “surprisingly few differences”(Parker-Pope 2) between straight and gay marriages yet these differences highlight issues that threaten the well-being of marriages. For instance, it is suggested that the reason for the high-rate of short-lived homosexual marriages is due to the psychological effects of a “lack of legal and social recognition”(Parker-Pope 6). The new research also demonstrated that homosexual couples tended to equally distribute work and duties between each other than heterosexual couples; or at least feel as if they do. The differences range from conflict resolutions to cardiac palpitation fluctuation. The overall suggestion of the data is that it is harder for heterosexual couples to find a common perspective with each other, as compared to homosexual couples that have an easier time reaching a common ground and seeing the world from within each other’s eyes.
The article begins with the statement that same-sex couples “have a great deal to teach everyone about marriage and relationships”(Parker-Pope 2). Whether or not this is even true, I think that the reason that it may be true is if Parker-Pope is talking about homosexuals in America. Homosexuals in America are in a very unique situation. A good part of American society urges for Gay Rights and supports homosexual unions. Truth be told, a loud minority are intolerant of homosexuals, but under American law homosexuals have just as many rights as do non-homosexuals and are thus protected under the law as individuals, as is anyone else. This is not true around the world however, and has also not been true throughout history. In some Middle Eastern countries, for example, such as Saudi Arabia, homosexuality can be a crime punishable by death. In history, homosexuals have been tortured, abused, dubbed heretics and Satanists, and murdered. The average American homosexual would know something about this.
Perhaps that is what the average American homosexual has to teach heterosexual couples. That it is important to be grateful for the opportunities you have in meeting someone you truly care about and that you are also able to show them affection. People participate in their relationships in very different ways. I would never say that there is a textbook definition or explanations on how to show someone you truly care. Regardless of your sexual orientation, I’m sure there are many aspects to a relationship everyone can appreciate and uphold. Commitment, responsibility, companionship, and honesty are just a few; and I’m sure all kinds of relationships deal with those four things in one-way or another. It’s not fair to say that one type of relationship knows more about one than the other. Everything works out differently for everyone, whether you are homosexual or not.