Stockholm university
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Family Sociology

The course provides an overview of the field of theories and research in family sociology with some emphasis on the relationship between family and work and the gender dimensions of family life.

Changes in family organization and behavior in Sweden and other Western societies are a particular focus. The course literature consists of theoretical explications as well as recent empirical research. Students are expected to critically examine and evaluate research on the family and to relate it to policy discourse in contemporary Sweden and other wealthy societies.

  • Course structure

    After having completed the course, students will be able to:

    -Understand, describe in theoretical terms and apply in concrete situations the fundamental concepts in sociological theories on family organization and behavior, including family formation and dissolution, household organization, relations between intimate partners and/or between generations, and connections between families and their social, economic, political and cultural contexts.

    -Know and describe major trends and variations in family organization and behavior in contemporary Western societies

    -Compare, synthesize and evaluate different theoretical explanations for variation and change in family organization and behavior in contemporary societies.

    -Understand, explain and cite appropriate evidence for sources of change and variation in family organization and behavior in contemporary societies.

    -Understand, explain and cite appropriate evidence for consequences of change and variation in family organization and behavior in contemporary societies.

    -Understand, describe in theoretical terms and apply in concrete situations dimensions of generation and gender in family organization and behavior.

    -Understand, describe in theoretical terms and apply in concrete situations the relationships between families and their social, economic, political and cultural contexts.

    Teaching format

    Teaching is conducted through lectures and discussion of materials from assigned readings and lectures.

    Course PM - all you need to know

    Family Sociology 2024 (238 Kb)

    Assessment

    Attendance at the seminar meetings is mandatory. Examination will be in three parts.

    Examiner

    Associate professor  Rense Nieuwenhuis

  • Schedule

    The schedule will be available no later than one month before the start of the course. We do not recommend print-outs as changes can occur. At the start of the course, your department will advise where you can find your schedule during the course.
  • Course literature

    Note that the course literature can be changed up to two months before the start of the course.
  • Course reports

  • Contact

    Student Affairs Office

    Study counsellor

    Exchange studies

    Directors of studies, all levels

    Questions about all master's courses/programmes at the Department of Sociology: master@sociology.su.se