Reflection Assignment 3

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University of Calgary *

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371

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Sociology

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Jan 9, 2024

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The Sociology of Families (SOCI 371 Fall 2023) Reflection Assignment #3: Ch. 4 Intimacy/2 Journal Articles Due: Sunday October 1 by 11:59 pm UCID Name 30158197 Drshika Kaur Mehro CHAPTER 4: Using the content covered in both Chapter 4 and the corresponding slides, answer ONE of the following questions. If you choose to answer both, only the first question will be graded. Be sure to use both the text and the slide material throughout your answer and specifically indicate where you located the course information you are using in your answer (i.e. On page X of the text; On Slide X of the PowerPoint). Make sure your informal citations are clearly visible by bolding each one. 1. Pick two topics/content items covered this week and explain them in your own words (minimum 1 detailed paragraph per topic). Provide your own examples of the concepts in your discussion. OR 2. Create a meme that reflects some aspect of the content covered this week (i.e., a concept, issue, lightbulb moment etc.). There are many free meme generator sites, for example: https://imgflip.com/memegenerator . Paste your meme here and write a minimum of 2 detailed paragraphs describing it and how it links to the content this week. 1. In recent years, discussions surrounding intimacy, reproduction, and marriage have gained prominence in sociological discourse. These topics represent pivotal aspects of family dynamics and societal norms, reflecting a shifting landscape in how individuals form relationships, create families, and navigate legal frameworks. I will explore the increasing separation of sexuality from reproduction, the influence of reproductive technologies on family structures, and the multifaceted debates surrounding marriage. In exploring intimacy, the separation of sexuality from reproduction is a critical aspect of contemporary discussions on intimacy. Traditionally, sexuality was intrinsically linked to reproduction, with marriage often considered the sole legitimate framework for sexual relationships. However, advancements in reproductive technologies and contraception have liberated individuals from this relationship, characterized by emotional and sexual equality, is emblematic of this shift. Unlike the conventional notion of romantic love, the pure relationship places greater emphasis on the ongoing emotional satisfaction and pleasure it offers, rather than a
lifetime commitment. This transformation has redefined the moral obligation to marry, stay together, and raise children. (On page 79 of the textbook). for instance, the LGBTQ+ community has played a significant role in challenging and reshaping cultural norms surrounding intimacy. Research indicates that both heterosexual and homosexual relationships are adapting to these long-term shifts, reflecting common patterns in ways of life across various sexual orientations. This illustrates that changes in intimacy extend beyond specific communities, influencing broader societal norms and structures related to sexuality. Additionally, the emergence of “plastic sexuality” has further facilitated the transformation of intimacy. (On slide 9 of the PowerPoint). This team encapsulates the idea of sexuality being freed from historical constraints imposed by patriarchy, religion, and other social control mechanisms. This liberation allows individuals to explore and express their sexuality more freely and authentically, leading to diverse and dynamic forms of intimate relationships. Furthermore, reproductive technologies have emerged as a powerful force in shaping family structures and intimate relationships. These technologies encompass a wide range of medical interventions, including in vitro fertilization (IVF), surrogacy, and gamete donation. They offer individuals and couples new possibilities for conceiving and expanding their families. For example, IVF enables couples struggling with infertility to have biological children by combining sperm and egg in a lab, while surrogacy allows individuals to have a child gestated by a surrogate mother. However, the advent of reproductive technologies also raises ethical and legal questions. The complexities of surrogacy contracts, the ownership of genetic material, and the rights of donors and recipients are areas that require careful consideration. Moreover, these technologies challenge traditional notions of kinship, as a child may have genetic ties to one parent while being gestated by another, highlighting the need for legal frameworks that can accommodate these new family configurations. (On page 79 of the textbook). For marriage debates, the evolving landscape of marriage is a topic that has generated widespread debate. It encompasses discussions on what constitutes the essential form of family for raising the next generation, and concerns the role of law and public policy in supporting and regulating families. (On slide 12 of the PowerPoint). Historically, marriage has been promoted by the Canadian state as a means to strengthen the nation. This reflects a belief in the stabilizing influence of marriage on society. For example, in the late 19 th century, marriage was considered “the bulwark of the social order”. However, it is crucial to critically examine the historical context. The Indian Act of 1986 in Canada used marriage regulations as a tool for controlling Indigenous populations, illustrating how legal frameworks can be employed for social and political control. (On slide 13 of the PowerPoint). Canada’s journey inclusivity is evident in its legalization of same-sex marriage in 2005, making it the 4 th country in the world to do so. This progressive step marked a significant milestone in recognizing diverse forms of intimate partnerships. Moreover, Canada's multicultural society presents a challenge to established laws and norms regulating family life. Arranged marriages, particularly prevalent among South Asian communities, demonstrate the need for sensitivity and adaptability in legal frameworks. (On page 80 of the textbook). The evolving notions of intimacy, reproduction, and marriage reflect a dynamic and diverse societal landscape. The increasing separation of sexuality from reproduction, along with the
influence of reproductive technologies, has transformed how individuals form relationships and create families. This has led to a broader acceptance of various family configurations and intimate partnerships. The debates surrounding marriage, rooted in historical and cultural contexts, highlight the need for inclusive legal frameworks that accommodate diverse cultural practices and recognize the evolving nature of families. Ultimately, these discussions underscore the importance of recognizing and respecting the autonomy and agency of individuals in forming intimate connections and building families. As society continues to evolve, it is imperative that legal and societal frameworks adapt to support and celebrate the diverse ways in which people create meaningful relationships and navigate family life. Monto and Carey (2014)/Levin (2004): Reflect back on the 2 articles covered this week and answer the following question in a minimum of 2 detailed paragraphs (i.e. one for each article). Ensure you use both the articles and the corresponding PowerPoints throughout and specifically indicate where you located the course information you are using in your answer (i.e. On page X of the article; On Slide X of the PowerPoint). Make sure your informal citations are clearly visible by bolding each one. 1) Provide a recap/overview of the articles covered this week. In doing so, explain in your own words the main points and findings of each of the articles. In recent years, scholarly discussions have delved into evolving family dynamics and shifting sexual behavior trends. Two pivotal articles in this discourse are "Living Apart Together: A New Family Form" by Levin (2004) and "A New Standard of Sexual Behavior? Are Claims Associated With the 'Hookup Culture' Supported by the General Social Survey Data?" by Monto & Carey (2014). Levin (2004) introduces the concept of "Living Apart Together" (LAT) as a novel family arrangement. LAT characterizes couples who maintain separate residences despite being in committed relationships, thereby challenging traditional notions of cohabitation and marriage. Levin underscores the deliberate choice partners make in opting for LAT, often driven by a desire for personal autonomy, past negative cohabitation experiences, or a preference for individual space. The author emphasizes that LAT relationships offer distinct advantages, such as the preservation of independence and the introduction of novelty into the partnership. Levin advocates for the recognition of LAT as a legitimate family form, calling for further research to explore this emerging trend. (On slide 2 of the PowerPoint). Monto and Carey's study (2014) scrutinizes claims surrounding the so-called "hookup culture," a widely discussed phenomenon primarily among young adults and college students. Using data from the General Social Survey (GSS), the authors challenge common assumptions about the
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prevalence and nature of casual sexual encounters. Contrary to popular belief, the study reveals that the frequency of sexual partners has not substantially increased in recent decades. Additionally, the data suggests that today's young adults are not markedly more sexually active or engaged in casual sex than previous generations. Monto and Carey caution against overgeneralizing the term "hookup," as it encompasses a spectrum of behaviors, from kissing to intercourse, and may not always imply casual or non-committal encounters. They stress the significance of empirical evidence in discussions about sexual behavior trends. (On slide 3 and 4 from the PowerPoint). In conclusion, Levin's work on LAT relationships sheds light on an emerging family form that challenges conventional cohabitation and marriage norms. The deliberate choice to live apart while maintaining a committed partnership highlights the evolving nature of intimate relationships in contemporary society. Meanwhile, Monto and Carey's examination of the hookup culture debunks some prevailing assumptions about young adults' sexual behavior. Their data-driven approach provides a nuanced perspective on the prevalence and nature of casual sexual encounters, emphasizing the need for accuracy and precision in discussions surrounding sexual behavior trends. Both articles contribute valuable insights to the broader conversation about evolving family structures and sexual behaviors. They call attention to the complexity and diversity of modern relationships, encouraging a nuanced understanding of intimate partnerships. These studies underscore the importance of empirical research in informing discussions about societal shifts in family forms and sexual behaviors, ultimately contributing to a more comprehensive understanding of contemporary relationship dynamics.