Sociology 257: Sociology of the Family

This course examines contemporary and historical families in the U.S. and globally through a sociological lens. Simultaneously a public and private entity, the family has long been considered by many to be the critical building block and pivotal institution in society, but over the course of many generations and in countless cultures, the concept of family itself has been defined and redefined. Students will learn about changing families as they relate to growing lifespans, globalization, shifts in paid work experiences, changing religious and political perspectives, technological changes, shifting media representations, and innovative lifestyles and dwelling design. Upon completion of the course, students will demonstrate an understanding of, and connection between, topics such as: family theories, research methods used to study families, love and sex, courtship, cohabitation, care work, reproduction, parenting, childhood, paid work and family boundaries, violence, break-up/divorce, family policy, stepfamilies, aging, home design, and more. Through course readings, written assignments, class discussions, and exams, students will explore how race, social class, gender, age, and sexual orientation intersect and shape processes of inequalities, family formation, intimacy, and decisions about various family life stages.