Module Code - Title:
SO6092
-
SOCIOLOGY OF FAMILIES AND THE LIFE COURSE
Year Last Offered:
2023/4
Hours Per Week:
Grading Type:
N
Prerequisite Modules:
Rationale and Purpose of the Module:
The course will introduce students to theories and research on families with a strong emphasis on the life course perspective. It will draw attention to the diversity of families and the reproduction of inequalities of various kinds. In addition to discussions of key theoretical foundations and contemporary empirical work, the module will elaborate analytic strategies and methodological complications in the study of families and children over the life course.
Syllabus:
Topics covered will include recent and long-term trends in marriage, partnership, and divorce; partner selection; causes and consequences of divorce; intergenerational solidarity and exchange; life course methods in social research; family and linked lives; family forms and children's well-being; diversity in family forms; the analysis of longitudinal data and issues of causality.
Learning Outcomes:
Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)
On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
Describe the social dynamics of families and document their implications for social inequalities.
Outline the methodological complications in studying family dynamics across time and space and their consequences.
Demonstrate a practical understanding of analytic innovations to address methodological complication in studying family dynamics.
Affective (Attitudes and Values)
On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
describe family diversity and associated social inequalities thus demonstrating increased empathy for those unjustly marginalised.
Psychomotor (Physical Skills)
Not applicable
How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:
The module will be taught through in-class lectures focusing on contemporary theoretical issues as well as the most recent research published in Sociology and Family Studies journal publications.
This will be supplemented with hands-on labs using a diversity of longitudinal data sources.
The module is designed so that theoretical skills go hand in hand with applied research skills, allowing student to tackle real world problems, through active use of contemporary data.
Research Findings Incorporated in to the Syllabus (If Relevant):
Prime Texts:
Crosnoe, R. & G.H. Elder Jr. (2015)
Life Course: Sociological Aspects
, in J. Wright (Ed.) International Encyclopaedia of the Social and Behavioral Sciences, 2nd edition. London: Elsevier.
Sharon J. Price, Patrick C. McKenry, and Megan J. Murphy (2020)
Families Across Time: A Life Course Perspective
, Oxford: Oxford University Press
Various (2021)
Annual Review of Sociology
, Annual Reviews
Various (2021)
Journal of Marriage and the Family
, Wiley-Blackwell
Various (2021)
Demography
, Duke University Press
Various (2021)
Longitudinal and Life Course Studies
, Bristol University Press
Other Relevant Texts:
Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:
MASOCITPA - SOCIOLOGY (APPLIED SOCIAL RESEARCH)
MASOCITFA - SOCIOLOGY (APPLIED SOCIAL RESEARCH)
Semester(s) Module is Offered:
Spring
Module Leader:
Carmel.Hannan@ul.ie