Work, Family, and Gender Inequality in the Contemporary U.S.

3 units

Despite dramatic increases in women's education and employment over the past century, progress toward gender equality in both the public and private sphere has slowed or stalled in recent decades. Drawing on research in sociology, economics, and demography, this course examines why gender inequality persists in the workplace and in family life. Students focus primarily on the contemporary U.S. context but also draw on historical and cross-national comparisons. In addition, the course considers the role of cultural norms and work-family policy in shaping gender inequality. Prerequisite: successful completion of an introductory-level Sociology course or consent of the instructor. Graduate students should enroll in the 500-level offering.