The definition of family has changed over the decades. The U.S. Census defines a family as individuals united by marriage, birth, or adoption. While this may accurately define the majority of families today, there are still a few families that may escape this distinct definition. Some believe that over time, marriage has become deinstitutionalized (Cherlin 2009). Individuals in society challenge social norms and behave in unusual ways. Marriage is evolving and taking on a new meaning and is no longer limited to a man and a woman. Same-sex marriage is becoming more and more common in today's society, leading to an increase in the number of same-sex parents. These changes in family dynamics have led to family change for our growing generations. Although these changes may be significant to a traditional family structure, a same-sex couple can still successfully parent and create a welcoming and safe home environment. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay Same-sex relationships have not always been openly accepted in our society and have only recently been accepted by the government. Many people look down on these couples because they go against their religious beliefs. The majority of Americans grew up believing that same-sex relationships were morally wrong and simply unacceptable. Others look down on same-sex relationships because they deviate from social norms. The negative stigma surrounding these couples has led to difficulties in producing or obtaining children to raise as members of their family. Often, one or both same-sex couples were in a heterosexual relationship before it continued. Children were sometimes the result of these heterosexual relationships who were forced to change their lives based on their parents' choices. When a same-sex couple wants to have their own children, they must choose the method that suits them best. There is donor insemination for female couples, surrogacy for male couples and adoption. The hardest part about these procedures resulting in a child is that neither of these options combine the DNA of both parents. Although this may be difficult for one or both parents involved, it does not affect their ability to be a good parent to the child. Family change is directly linked to acceptance of same-sex couples and belief in their ability to successfully raise children. While family decline suggests that the development of same-sex families goes against social norms and creates a negative outcome for families, family change views it as a way to move society forward (Popenoe 1993). Traditional family construction did not work for some individuals in society, so social norms were altered and changed. Marriages are no longer limited to one man and one woman, children are no longer related solely by blood, and parental responsibilities are no longer assigned to one sex or the other. Although these changes have created a different type of family environment, the strength of the family unit has not diminished. Same-sex couples make the conscious choice to have children; some heterosexual couples get pregnant by accident. This can create various differences in their parenting abilities, although all parents have the ability to be successful. In order to study in more detail..