In contemporary societies, there are various views regarding family and household structures. Some view it as natural while others see it as a social construct. These views can be traced to ontology which is a philosophical term that refers to being or existence.
Some people believe that family and household structures are based on nature while others think they are created by society. This has led to different approaches to understanding what constitutes a family and how it operates. It also affects the ethics surrounding family issues such as LGBT families.
LGBT families comprise individuals who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, etc., and form families despite their sexual orientation. They have faced challenges from both conservative and liberal groups because of their nontraditional lifestyles.
Most countries now accept them since they offer an opportunity for same-sex couples to raise children without discrimination. The emergence of these families has sparked debates about whether they should be recognized and if so under what circumstances. Ontological perspectives inform these debates in various ways.
One of the ontologies that influence ethical debates about LGBT families is essentialism. Essentialists argue that certain things exist naturally rather than by convention. In this case, they assert that the traditional heterosexual family structure is the only natural one. Therefore, any deviation from this arrangement is unnatural and unethical. According to them, the nuclear family consisting of a man, woman, and children is the norm. As such, they oppose legal recognition of LGBT families, especially adoption and surrogacy rights. They claim that children need both male and female role models which same-sex parents cannot provide. Thus, they contend that allowing gays and lesbians to adopt would harm the child's development.
The constructivist view, on the other hand, argues that family structures are social creations and can change over time. They believe that there are no fixed rules regarding how people should live or behave. Constructivists support LGBT families and advocate for equal treatment of all individuals regardless of their gender identity or sexuality. They think that children raised by same-sex parents can develop normally if given the necessary support and resources. Therefore, they call for the legalization of LGBT marriages and adoptions.
Another perspective is postmodernism, which considers language as crucial in shaping our understanding of reality. Postmodernists believe that meaning arises from discourse and interpretations. They argue that words like 'family' do not have definite meanings but are culturally constructed.
Some societies consider polygamy normal while others frown upon it. The postmodernist view supports the acceptance of various types of households since they represent different understandings of family life. They acknowledge that LGBT families exist and deserve equal protection under the law.
Ontological perspectives inform ethical debates about LGBT families in different ways. Essentialists view them as unnatural and oppose legal recognition while constructivists support them. Postmodernists recognize them as legitimate forms of household structure and advocate for their inclusion in society.
How do ontological perspectives on family and household structures inform ethical debates about LGBT families?
Ontological perspectives on family and household structures suggest that there is no one correct definition of what constitutes a "family. " Instead, families come in many different forms and are shaped by cultural norms and values. This perspective has important implications for ethical debates surrounding lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) families, as it suggests that all families deserve recognition and support regardless of their composition.