Recent History of Same-Sex Marriage

Flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts related to the history and debate surrounding same-sex marriage and its legal implications.

Obergefell v. Hodges

A 2015 Supreme Court case that legalized same-sex marriage nationwide by overturning all state bans.

Public Opinion vs. Law

The conflict between growing acceptance of same-sex marriage in public opinion and the legal restrictions during the 1990s to early 2010s.

Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA)

Federal law defining marriage as a legal union between one man and one woman, which was partially struck down in 2013.

Marital Status Benefits

Legal rights and benefits conferred to married individuals, including Social Security, health insurance, and tax benefits.

Kinship

The relationship between individuals based on blood or marriage, important in discussing family structures in sociology.

Civil Unions

A legally recognized union similar to marriage, often considered a “separate but equal” status for same-sex couples.

Public Opinion Trends

The gradual shift in public opinion towards greater acceptance of same-sex marriage since the late 1980s.

Material Concerns in Marriage

Practical rights and benefits associated with marriage, such as legal and financial support.

Moral Concerns in Marriage Debate

Ethical arguments surrounding the legitimacy and acceptance of same-sex marriage.

Symbolic Concerns in Marriage

The societal meanings ascribed to marriage and the perceived importance of marriage as an institution.

Slippery Slope Arguments Against Same-Sex Marriage

Concerns suggesting that legalizing same-sex marriage could lead to other forms of marriage like polygamy.

Equal Protection Argument

The legal argument that denying same-sex marriage is a form of discrimination against gay individuals.

Proposition 8

A 2008 California ballot measure that banned same-sex marriage, later ruled unconstitutional.

Cohort Replacement

A social phenomenon where older generations with opposing views die off, leading to changing social attitudes.

Stepfamilies

Family units formed by remarriage, often involving children from previous relationships.