SCY2071

Sociology of the family

Proposed to be offered next in 1999

8 points
* 3 hours per week
* Caulfield
* Prerequisites: First-year SCY sequence or equivalent

Objectives Students will develop a knowledge of current issues concerning the complexity of families in Australia and relationship between family life, the economic structure, social policy and ideology; an awareness of differences, both cultural and political, of family life in Australia in a historical sense but also regarding present day differences between Australia, USA and some European countries such as Sweden; an understanding of the development of social policy concerning family life; the ability to apply theoretical approaches to the understanding and analyses of families in Australia; a competence in presenting oral and written arguments.

Synopsis The complexity of relationships between family life, the economic structure, employment, social policy and ideology. Theoretical and historical examination of the family, and the state, patriarchy, the `new' father, mothering, work and family, sexual partnering and gender relationships, divorce and the future of the family. Major theoretical perspectives will be Marxist, feminist and functionalist.

Assessment Essay (2000 words): 30%
* Seminar paper (2000 words): 40%
* Test (2 hours): 30%

Recommended texts

Barrett M and McIntosh M The anti-social family 2nd edn, Verso, 1991