Final answer:
In recent years, there has been a shift in people's perception of family structures and relationships in the United States. Research has shown that same-sex parents are just as effective as opposite-sex parents in raising children, with some studies even suggesting potential benefits for children of lesbian couples.
Step-by-step explanation:
In recent years, there has been a shift in people's perception of marriage and family in the United States. Traditional notions of marriage and family have expanded to include a variety of nontraditional family structures, such as unmarried and divorced parents, multigenerational households, and same-sex couples. Research has shown that same-sex parents are as effective as opposite-sex parents in raising children, and studies have even demonstrated that children of lesbian couples may have slightly lower rates of behavioral problems and higher rates of self-esteem. However, it is important to note that these findings do not mean that gay marriage is universally accepted or that couples without children are considered less than a family. The media's interest in discussing children and family dynamics is another factor to consider in this context.