Module Code - Title:

SO4002 - GENDER: SOCIOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVES

Year Last Offered:

2025/6

Hours Per Week:

Lecture

2

Lab

0

Tutorial

1

Other

0

Private

0

Credits

6

Grading Type:

Prerequisite Modules:

Rationale and Purpose of the Module:

The aim of this module is to introduce the students to sociological approaches to gender including the main theoretical frameworks in the study of gender and society.

Syllabus:

This module equips students with a critical understanding of key concepts in gender studies and feminist thought and how these are informed by, and inform, sociological enquiry. It offers in introduction to the main sociological perspectives on gender; key debates in feminist theory; debates in the study of masculinity; and perspectives on substantive topics such as work and care in the context of these frameworks. The module also examines the operation of gender divisions across national and transnational social contexts and their articulation with other major social divisions such as class, sexuality, ethnicity and race.

Learning Outcomes:

Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)

At the end of this module students will be able to demonstrate: A full understanding of the sociological significance of gender relations. A knowledge of how masculinities and femininities are socially constructed. An ability to analyse and critically evaluate theoretical debates about gender and sexuality. An ability to apply theoretical concepts to a discussion of contemporary issues relating to gender and sexuality.

Affective (Attitudes and Values)

At the end of this module students will be able to demonstrate: An ability to engage openly with a range of theoretical approaches to gender and sexuality.

Psychomotor (Physical Skills)

N/A

How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:

An ability to link theoretical concepts and debates to personal experience in analysing the social construction of gender and sexulity.

Research Findings Incorporated in to the Syllabus (If Relevant):

An awareness of sociological research in the area of gender and sexuality. An ability to formulate a research question relating to this field of study.

Prime Texts:

Marchbank, Jennifer ad Gayle Letherby (2007) Introduction to Gender. Social Science Perspectives , Harlow, Essex: Pearson Education Limited

Byrne, Anne and Madeleine Leonard (1998) Women and Irish Society , Belfast: Beyond the Pale

Holmes, Mary (2007) What is Gender? Sociological Approaches , Los Angeles: Sage Publications

Sullivan, Nikki (2003) A Critical Introduction to Queer Theory , Edinburgh: Edinburgh University Press

Other Relevant Texts:

Whelehan, Imelda (1995) Modern Feminist Thought. From Second Wave to Post-Feminism , Edinburgh: Edinburgh University Press.

Alsop, Rachel, Fitzsimons, Annette and Lennon, Kathleen (ed.) (2002) Theorizing Gender , Cambridge: Polity

O Carroll. Ide and Eoin Collins (1995) Lesbian and Gay Visions of Ireland. Towards the Twenty-first Century , London: Cassell.

Gardiner, Judith Kegan. (ed.) (2002) Masculinity Studies and Feminist Theory: New Directions , Columbia University Press

Kolmar, Wendy K. and Bartkowski, Frances, (ed.) (2005) Feminist Theory. A Reader. , Boston: McGraw Hill

Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:

Semester(s) Module is Offered:

Module Leader:

lindsey.garratt@ul.ie