The anthropology and sociology of proponent and opponent worldviews in Central Arkansas regarding same-sex issues and constitutionally protected rights: An interdisciplinary perspective

This thesis autoethnographically examines divergent worldviews, specifically with respect to the contentious issues of same-sex marriage and adoption/foster-parenting of children by unmarried cohabitating couples in Arkansas. Moral panics and moral politics are central to current debates about each. This thesis integrates and synthesizes interdisciplinary perspectives and insights while deconstructing and unpacking dissimilar beliefs and behaviors found in this Bible-belt state. Selected GLBTQQ/SGL narratives, interwoven with my story, compare left-leaning liberalism with ultraconservative cognitive framing utilized to oppose gay rights. Vicious targeting of gays prevails in absolute opposition to gay issues when strictly based in faith and resolute religious dogma. Humanism and secular/religious tolerance support marriage as a fundamental right protected by the US Constitution. Mixed feminist endorsement supports adoptions/foster-parenting by same-sex couples while interpretations of hegemonic patriarchal ideology challenge traditional marriage. Politicians continually confuse secularism and religiosity. This thesis suggests future research scholars might undertake toward ending human rights inequity.