Same-Sex Marriage Does Threaten "Traditional" Marriage

[Danielle Ni Dhighe]

Same-Sex Marriage Does Threaten "Traditional" Marriage (http://nursingclio.org/2013/04/02/same-sex-marriage-does-threaten-traditional-marriage/)


I am struck in listening to the opposition to same-sex marriage by the persistent denial that gender is a socially constructed role. This is a “traditional” view of marriage in the sense that it is grounded in “biology is destiny,” or specific roles assigned based on sex. It is an extremely narrow view of “marriage” based on specific roles assigned by sex, rather than marriage as an emotional and physical and social partnership between two individuals. Most telling, it is a view that denies that heterosexual people can be in egalitarian marriages, or should be. It is a belief in “traditional” marriage as hierarchical. Not as a true partnership of equals, but as a microcosm of society with a power structure that flows from husband to wife to children.

[human strike]

Is the role of the state not missing from this analysis? What do you suppose the consequences are for same-sex relationships when they are legally sanctioned by the state in the specific terms of 'marriage'? Married or not, gay couples exist; are there not advantages for state and even patriarchal power in institutionalising those relationships (not to mention the role of social labour in marriage of any kind)? I think it can be argued that same-sex marriage, whilst weakening the "traditional" concept of marriage, does also strengthen marriage and that that should be considered a problem at least.

[Danielle Ni Dhighe]

Is the role of the state not missing from this analysis?
Yes. I doubt the author is a communist or anarchist who wants to abolish the state.

I think marriage is something that can only be abolished when the social conditions that support it have been abolished.