Everyday Sociology Talk: Social Change and the California Supreme Court's Ruling on Gay Marriage

Karen Sternheimer and Sally Raskoff discuss the California Supreme Court's 5/15 decision to overturn the ban on gay marriage, focusing on social movements.

Social change often leads to the creation of social movements that mobilize to counter changes too.

Comments

[B Gutsch]

I am not very optimistic about the recent lift on the gay marriage ban in California. I think there are a lot of other, broader issues that need to be addressed about gay equality that are larger than the marriage issue. This ruling is hopeful, but I hope people do not think this means that gays are now equals in American society. Sexuality equality could not be further from reality in most places in the states. As I said on my blog, the video on You Tube, for example, of Ellen announcing her wedding plans was met with the most homophobic, heterosexist comments I have seen. Complete hate speech. Does this court ruling signal vast social change? From my view, we have such a long way to go.

[Karen S.]

B Gutsch--great points. Thanks for reminding us that one court ruling does not mean equality in the big picture.

Karen S.