Family and Society

This course introduces the sociological study of families, asking what "family" means and how it changes across time, cultures, and social contexts. Students examine family formation, diversity, and change; relationships between partners, parents, and children; and the influence of race, class, gender, sexuality, and policy. Topics may include dating and marriage, cohabitation, parenthood, work and family, violence, and the child welfare system. Emphasis is placed on critically analyzing families within broader social structures.