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Document Details : Title: Homosexuality within the Context of Social Institutionalisation and Moral Sense Author(s): BAUER, Dominique Journal: Ethical Perspectives Volume: 13 Issue: 1 Date: March 2006 Pages: 61-89 DOI: 10.2143/EP.13.1.2011787 Abstract : The social and ethical framework of opposition toward homosexuality and, for example, gay marriage and gay parenting must be understood both from the process of institutionalism within Western society and from the essentialist view of human beings (on religious, political, and legal levels) and the construction of their identities. This essentialist context of humanity and society, however, must be put in opposition to the social definition of human existence and identity. The latter are the dynamic and never-completed result of personal and social interrelation. Therefore, they cannot be separated into abstractions denominating the essence of humanity and society, nor may they be viewed as clear-cut atomic or autonomous realities. On the basis of this opposition, I criticize the arguments against accepting and positively integrating homosexuality within society, especially through an analysis of the interpersonal aspects of the formation of gay identity and of gay parenting. |
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