10 marks for summary–key points are completed and comprehension of issue is demonstrated-question 1
10 mars for types of social change clearly identified-question 2
20 marks for application of structural theory-question 3
10 marks for quality of writing, clear and thoughtful, and proper sentence and paragraph structure. Hello...Can you tell me what you think? And if the paragraphs are organized for each question. Thanks soooooo much
Summary of Tale of Two Countries: For question number one...i had to summarize an article 1)
Throughout the years we have witnessed a major separation amongst Canadians and Americans, as both countries developed, proposing two completely distinguished lifestyles. The political structure of both nations influence the American and Canadian peoples perspectives, regarding nationalism, culture and equality rights. Canada practices a society that is controlled by the Liberal government, while majority of Americans chose to elect a Republican president. Both governments are completely opposite, which demonstrates how both nations are substantially different, especially in respect to "social policy."
In regards to social policy, recently in Canada and America a controversial issue is being debated over----equal rights for gays and lesbians when it comes to same sex marriages. Both America and Canada take an opposed approach to this issue, considering Canada is open to the idea, while America rejects the concept. In Canada alone, seven provinces/Territories have legalized same- sex marriages, juxtaposed to majority of the states in America being intolerant to excepting such unions.
President George W. Bush who is now in power is deciding to establish a federal ban on same-sex marriages. This amendment would cause the lesbian and gay communities to be inferior to heterosexual communities when it comes to equality, due to their rights being taken away. Unquestionably, President Bush will take advantage of his authority, and assign new judges to the Supreme Court who engage in common conservative ideologies as himself, referring to prohibiting homosexual marriages.
It could be argued that by not granting the gay community with the privilege to marry, may effect society as a whole, since its evident to the fact that not all individuals preferences will be favored by those who obtain power. This could be exemplified by the situation that is transpiring in Ohio. With the objective to illegalize same-sex unions, their eagerness resulted in them too utilizing the law for "all legal recognition out side of marriage" to be banned.
It becomes the obvious that once a country begins to deny rights to their citizens, the entire meaning of justice lacks significance, since the needs of the citizens aren't being focused on. America being somewhat influential over Canada, which may result in Prime Minister Paul Martin following in the same footsteps of President Bush, making sure that same-sex marriages aren't legalized. What is justice, if only the laws of the government reflects the wants and needs of the majority, but not society as a whole.
2)I had to write a paragraph outlining the types of social change i believe was practiced in the article The laws and practices in Canada and America can be easily compared to the regulations found in religion. History, proves that both nations are somewhat influenced by Christianity. Sins such as murdering, and stealing are forbidden in numerous Christian religious, which can be related to the justice system in both America and Canada. Once the subject of commit-suiciding was illegal in Canada, as well as having a divorce. This too is clearly connected to the scripture in the Bible, since marriage is something well appreciated in religion, and taking ones life is acknowledged as being "immoral".
With this information it becomes clear that the issue of "same-sex marriages" is somewhat viewed wrongful, due to religion obtaining power. All three social changes: structural, institutional, and practices and beliefs, are related to this issue. It can be argued that America's government remains modified by an "apostolic faith,"while Canada gradually formed a modern liberal society that accepts homosexuality and their relationships—separating from Christianity Laws. Homosexuality is believed by religious believers that it falsifies what God designed, which explains why Americans recognize same-sex marriages as "unethical." President Bush being a Republican, establishes conservative laws, which are religion based, while Canada practices a liberal society that is "for the needs of the people." This regards the structural aspect of "same-sex marriages," due to it having to do with the formation of both countries governments and what party governs the laws.
The change of culture in Canada, has reflected the freedom of sexual orientation, speech, race, etc, which can be exemplified by "the Gay Pride Parada." Canada has become more tolerant to the homosexual community, due to the transformation of values within our society. It's become the obvious that Canadians would rather reside in a liberated society where their freedom is secure, while Americans prefer a conservative culture. If the leadership of both countries change the views and laws against gay-marriage could be altered. Presently, America is governed by Republicans, but if they were ruled by Democrats who are unorthodox, the idea of gay-marriage could be taken in to consideration. The same applies to Canada whose controlled by the Liberal Party. If the Conservative Party was elected, "same-sex marriages" could possibly be banned, due to this party executing traditional beliefs. This ties in to the social change, "practices in beliefs," since the way gay marriages is observed is by traditionalistic customs.
The societies both in America and Canada have become more secular, resulting in the aspects of both cultures changing. The reality of this situation, is that religiously and culturally marriage is acknowledged as being a legal union between both a man and woman. Even though marriage has always been identified as something genuine, it appears to be undergoing complex changes, relating to the increasing rate of gay marriages, primarily in Canada. Recent generations may be accepting of this practice, considering older generations obtain stronger religious beliefs, juxtaposed to individuals who were born into a new era. The change of values, may reflect why homosexuals are determined to legalize "same-sex marriages." This explains why the social "institutional" change, is connected to this situation.
Even though the belief of "homosexuality" is practically prevalent, notably in Canada. Perhaps, the idea of gay marriages isn't something that Americans and Canadians are ready for. The formal approval of "same-sex marriages" modifies the institution of marriage, which will change what is perceived as the "norm" within society. The change in institutions, is that organized religions are becoming modernized, allowing homosexuality to be seen as something normal and moral .
It appears that Canada has remodeled their political standards, but America continues to maintain an orthodox political practice. Both countries are taking two completely distinguished approaches, regarding this issue, due to their practices and beliefs, institutions and structure being opposed. America and Canada are exercising two different social policies, which explains why the belief of "same-sex marriages", is predominately accepted in Canada, compared to America who protests that "same-sex marriages" are unethical.
3)[
b] I had to relate the theory of structural functionalism to same-sex marriahes...as well as using it to analyze the changes in attitudes toward same-sex marriages. This one i think may be all over the place...can you tell me what you think, especially for the last paragraph.[/b]
The theory of structural functionalism in relation to the issue of "same-sex marriages" basically demonstrates that Canadians have became more tolerant of gay marriages, due to the aspects of culture and the belief system within Canada's society changing. The new generation of Canadians are far more supportive of gay and lesbian marriage than previous generations, due to the alteration in culture. The numbers of individuals who support "same-sex marriages" will continue to increase just as a result of demographics.
Homosexually has gradually become more accepting within Canada's society, considering the fact that Canada is no longer governed by Christian Laws. The Bible is not acknowledged for agreeing with the acts of homosexuals, due to the popular story, "Sodom and Gomorrah." The story discusses how God once destroyed a city that practiced homosexuality, and immorality. This is evidence that Canada was probably once against homosexuality, due to the church obtaining "power." Canada's society was influenced by Christian rules, traditions and customs. As Canada become more secular, individuals relinquished morality to the relativistic whims of society. Canadians appeared religious liberals, rather then religious conservatives, due to homosexuals gaining considerable political and social momentum.
Canada's began to rely on humanistic and relativistic morals, which built an "ethnical" structure within Canada. The modernization of Canada's government, gave homosexuals the privilege to preach their doctrine of tolerant, equality and justice. This resulted in "United Churches," where homosexuals attend to praise God. Slowly homosexuals were provided with the equal rights, which led to them being able to get married in Canada. It appears that each generation become more tolerant to the gay community. With the support of heterosexuals and the government, homosexuals can conquer all. The modernization of individuals attitudes towards homosexuals is that Canada' society practices "unity."
The structure of Canada's government changed, since its no longer religious based. Our society is gradually becoming liberated, rather then practicing the "word of God." As long as homosexuals are viewed as being "equal", Canadians will perceive them as being moral. This begs a question: Whose right in this situation....Canada becoming modernization and separating from religious beliefs, gradually changed the attitudes of individuals towards homosexuality. But just because Canadians see homosexuals as equal, should it mean we should go against religion and allow them to marry?
In Canada, every new generation will gradually view homosexuality as the norm, due to politics obtaining authority and religion no longer obtaining importance and power.
sarah jones
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