Description
Book SynopsisThe generational and social thinking changes that caused an unprecedented shift toward support for gay marriageHow did gay marriagesomething unimaginable two decades agocome to feel inevitable to even its staunchest opponents? Drawing on over 95 interviews with two generations of Americans, as well as historical analysis and public opinion data, Peter Hart-Brinson argues that a fundamental shift in our understanding of homosexuality sparked the generational change that fueled gay marriage's unprecedented rise. Hart-Brinson shows that the LGBTQ movement's evolution and tactical responses to oppression caused Americans to reimagine what it means to be gay and what gay marriage would mean to society at large. While older generations grew up imagining gays and lesbians in terms of their behavior, younger generations came to understand them in terms of their identity. Over time, as the older generation and their ideas slowly passed away, they were replaced by a new generational culture that
Trade Review"The book provides an interesting glimpse into [Hart-Brinson’s] 95 interview subjects’ lives, attitudes, and milieu. He also offers tables, charts, and graphs to reveal changes in public opinion over the decades." * The Gay & Lesbian Quarterly *
"At the very moment attitudes toward gay marriage began to change rapidly, Peter Hart-Brinson interviewed people from multiple generations to assess the shifting meanings surrounding gay marriage. While quantitative studies allow us to track these changing attitudes in a simplistic way, most barely scratch the surface of what remains a complex issue for many. With his insightful analysis of his qualitative data, Hart-Brinson breaks through this surface and does a deep dive into the metaphors people use to think about gay marriage. In doing so, he helps us to understand why resistance to gay marriage remains steadfast, even in the face of growing consensus." -- Thomas J. Linneman,Author of Weathering Change: Gays and Lesbians, Christian Conservatives, and Everyday Hostilities
"Public opinion typically changes slowly. The transformation in Americans views regarding same-sex marriage is a notable exceptionwith public opinion dramatically shifting from strong opposition to strong support in a very short period of time. How do we explain this remarkable exception? Marshalling insights from historical data, national surveys, and in-depth interviews, Peter Hart-Brinson skillfully and convincingly documents the powerful role of generations in effecting change. The Gay Marriage Generation is an important and provocative book that will encourage us to reassess our assumptions of how social change occurs." -- Brian Powell,Author of Counted Out: Same-Sex Relations and American's Definitions of Family
"There is much to learn from this book and Hart-Brinson is meticulous in laying out and supporting his arguments." * Social Forces *
"Will be an interesting and enlightening read for those both new and old to the topic." * American Journal of Sociology *
