Year 9 Unit 3: Relationships and Families

Study Notes

Sexuality refers to an individual's sexual orientation and their identity regarding gender attraction.
Adultery is defined as engaging in sexual relations with someone outside one's marriage.
Marriage is a legal and often religious union between two individuals.
Cohabitation involves living together and possibly starting a family without being married.
Divorce is the legal termination of a marriage and is permissible in the UK.
Relationships describe the connections between two or more individuals.
Family consists of people related by blood or legal ties, regardless of living arrangements.
Gender Discrimination involves bias against individuals based on their gender.
Gender encompasses the social and cultural roles associated with being male, female, or other identities.
Gender Prejudice consists of biased opinions regarding individuals based on their gender.

Roman Catholic Perspective: Views same-gender sexual relations as 'disordered'; considers homosexual relationships prohibited by the Bible.
Liberal Christian View: Emphasizes love and acceptance, advocating for a compassionate approach towards homosexuals.
Catholic Church and Church of England: Both do not permit gay marriage.
Biblical Reference: “Do not have sexual relations with a man as one does with a woman” – Leviticus 18:22.

Marriage Ceremony: Involves vows in front of family and, if in a church, before God, promising lifelong commitment.
Divorce in the UK: Legal dissolution of marriage; accepted by the Church of England under certain circumstances.
Catholic Church's Stance: Opposes divorce, viewing remarriage post-divorce as adultery.
Christian Perspective on Divorce: Seen as violation of marriage vows; exceptions considered by some for reasons like abuse.
Biblical Reference: “If a man divorces his wife [...] he involves her in adultery” – Matthew 5:32.

Nuclear Family: Comprises a mother, father, and children; considered the ideal by some Christians.
Extended Family: Includes grandparents and other relatives for support and involvement.
Single Parent Family: One parent is responsible for raising children.

Procreation: One of the primary purposes of family is to bear and raise children.
Stability: Families provide a secure and stable environment for children.
Faith: Families help instill values and religious beliefs in children.
Biblical Reference: “Honour your father and mother, so that you may live long in the land...” – Exodus 20:12.

Gender Equality: Advocates for equal rights and opportunities for men and women.
Gender Prejudice in the UK: Women may face discrimination and unequal treatment in various aspects of life.
Role of Women in Religion: The Catholic Church believes women’s roles are primarily as mothers; it does not permit female priests.
Church of England Progress: Allowed women to serve as priests since 1994, with the first female Bishop being Libby Lane.
Recognition of Gender: Current UK law recognizes two genders; ongoing discussions regarding inclusivity for non-binary and LGBTQIA+ identities.