SCY2072

Sociology of the family

Cathi Lewis

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

Objectives During the subject, students will have confronted theories and concepts which seek to explain the place and structure of marriage and family in human society; theories and concepts which attempt to explain the contemporary forms of marriage and family; the contemporary debate about the necessity and future of marriage, the family and courtship; ethical and cultural bases for and implications of variant family/marital forms; public and legal aspects of family issues.

Synopsis This subject examines the main theoretical perspectives in the study of the family and investigates a number of current issues crossculturally, especially the interrelation between family life, the economic structure, social policy and ideology.

Assessment Essay (3000 words): 40%
* Tutorial paper and presentation (2000 words): 30%
* Ten short class tests (approx. 5 minutes each): 30%

Prescribed texts

Subject reader available at enrolment