CHAPTER 6:
INEQUALITY BASED ON SEXUAL ORIENTATION
By the end of this chapter students will be able to:
- Define sexual orientation and explain how it is used as a basis for discrimination.
- Provide an estimate of the number of gays and lesbians in the American population and an explanation why this is only an estimate.
- Recognize homophobia as a social problem, the conditions that contribute to it, and its extent in society.
- Summarize the various forms of discrimination gays and lesbians encounter in the social institutions of religion, politics, law enforcement, housing, medical care, the workplace, the military and legislation.
- Understand the difference between domestic partnerships and marriage, the rights afforded each union, and how this difference impacts gays and lesbians.
- To understand the implications of the defense of Marriage Act as it impacts gay and lesbian couples.
- To objectively evaluate the criticism of gays and lesbians as potential parents.
- Explain various perspectives to explain homosexuality including the biological, psychological, symbolic interactionist, functionalist and conflict perspectives.
