Same Sex Marriage in Canada

Same Sex Marriage in Canada

Same-sex marriage is a common and growing trend across the globe, and Canada is no exception. The aspect of same-sex marriage in Canada has been on the increase following an emerging trend that has seen the family structure evolve. This comes amidst the backdrop of factors such as change in social norms, economic issues and immigration. The current survey of 2016 by Environics Analytics indicate that there has been an increase in the rate at which Canadians are bent to form same-sex marriages. It is worth noting that despite the fact that, this group forms a small percentage compared to other forms of marriage, the segment is experiencing a growing trend. In the last decade, there has been a 60 percent rise in same-sex marriages compared to 9 percent increases registered in the opposite sex marriages (Campion-Smith, 2017). The trend is seen to take toll of the largest cities in the country such as Ottawa-Gatineau, Vancouver, Montreal and Toronto. The Canadian law allows for the same-sex marriages as per the dictates of sociological perspectives which embrace rules and regulations as the only means of shaping individual behaviors in any society.

The increase can be attributed to the legal status of such marriages in Canada in the sense that, there has been supporting from legal grounds. Canadian law recognizes same-sex marriages as it works to ensure equal rights for every citizen. Such couples can still have children further complementing the fact that it is a fully functional family. It worth noting that, the same-sex marriages are taking place mostly in urban centers an indication that social norms are taking shape at a faster rate in populations that have experienced diversity. The aspect of socialization defines the individual will become as demonstrated in their behaviors. The society has norms, beliefs, and values that it expects its members to conform to the same if at all they are to secure social identity. The village setting in Canada is majorly guided by cultural expectations which a still conservative in the sense that they would prefer opposite-sex marriages.This is because anybody who dares to go the same sex marriage will be considered an outcast (Gallagher, 2012). Therefore, members of the community will stay wary of forming same sex marriages even if they were willing to do such.

However, the urban population is more diverse and would use the legal setting to define their behaviors. The cities host people from different cultural backgrounds and as such, they can use any single cultural value norms or beliefs to define their relationship. Therefore, they would refer to the existing platform that offers them a common ground. The law is the only their reference point, and as such, they feel it right to engage in the same-sex marriage since it allows such. Therefore, the personal, cultural backgrounds notwithstanding, the urban dwellers feel obliged to form same-sex marriages.

Society has different mechanisms through which they regulate the behavior of its subjects. People engage in practices that afford them pleasure and avoid those which cause pain.  It follows that, since in the non-urban places people will be ridiculed for having same-sex marriage, they will avoid the same to avoid the pain that comes from such action (Richardson-self, 2015). The urban population has nothing to lose, and they enjoy all the benefits that come with legal protection.

One would ask how ethical it is for the law to allow the existence of the same-sex marriage. The utilitarian theory dictates that an action should be measured regarding the ultimate good that it produces for the majority. The aspect of legalizing same-sex marriage in Canada does not affect the masses in any way. If anything, it helps to bring harmony between different factions in the society. Lack of a clear legal guideline will lead to tension between groups holding different opinions on the subject. Peaceful coexistence is necessary for the growth of the economy as it ensures everyone goes about their duties without interference. The question that abides is even if there was no law to govern the same, then whose beliefs, norms and values would be considered more superior?  Therefore, it is ethical for the law to protect same-sex marriage since it facilitates peaceful co-existence.

The society anywhere across the globe are subject to changes as they move from more traditional forms of production to civilization. The more civilized a society is, the more likely for it to move away from the norms, values, and beliefs and adopt the universal law. Therefore, the aspect of the Canadian urban dwellers practicing same-sex marriages demonstrates how civilization has taken a toll on them. The trend will gain traction moving forwards as more Canadians conform to the new way of doing things and accommodate same-sex marriage as normal.

The sociological functionalist view on the same-sex families alludes to it that, members of the society apply the existing laws to form relationships. Therefore, the law is a necessary factor to facilitate social life and avoid conflicts and disorder in the society. The Canadian law seems to focus on how the function of the family contributes to the growth of the nation as a whole as opposed to serving interests of faith or cultural beliefs (Ryan, 2013). Therefore, the law factored in the economic, cultural, social and symbolic contribution s of the family to allow same-sex marriages to thrive.

It is imperative to acknowledge the fact that, the society will never agree on everything and s such there is need to come up with rules and regulations that will provide a framework necessary to guide the behavior of every person. Same-sex marriage has been an issue under contention for a long time. Therefore, without proper law to guide the behavior of people in society there is a higher likelihood that there will be disorder. Controlling and ensuring the behavior of individuals in public sphere is a priority to Canadian government. The masses may not agree with the existence of such law. However, it is necessary to understand no right of an individual should surpass that of another. Equal rights for all Canadian citizens affords the society to go on with their daily activities in an environment that allow peaceful co-existence. The sociological perspective of the need to have laws in place to facilitate coexistence conforms to the Canadian rules that have allowed same-sex marriages. The country will be experiencing the upsurge of same-sex marriages going forward.  Since the couples in same-sex families can have children through any legally recognized means, then it follows that such families will serve same functions as marriages under heterogeneous setting.

References
Campion-Smith, B. (2017). Canada has more same-sex couples, one-person households, census shows. Retrieved from The Star: https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2017/08/02/canada-has-more-same-sex-couples-one-person-households-census-shows.html

Gallagher, M. (2012). Rites, Rights, and Social Institutions: why and How Should the Law Support Marriage. Notre Dame Journal of Law, Ethics and Public Policy, 18(1), 225-240.

Richardson-self, L. (2015). Justifying Same-sex Marriage: A Philosophical Investigation. Rowman & Littlefield.

Ryan, R. (2013). What sociological theory best explains the debate over legalizing same sex marriage? Annual Review of Sociology, 3673-385. Retrieved 2018, from https://www.researchgate.net/post/What_sociological_theory_best_explains_the_debate_over_legalizing_same_sex_marriage