Sociology of the Family
Spring Semester only
| 3 credits
| Elective
Majors:
Anthropology,
Gender Studies,
and
Sociology
This course is a sociological analysis of family structure, dynamics, and child-rearing patterns in diverse cultures. The principal objective of the course is to demythologize the family by exploring the ways in which "the family" is experienced differently by people in different cultures, social classes, historical periods and by gender. We will explore the concept of the family through the lens of sociological theory and will learn and apply basic sociological research methods to current questions. In order to increase our understanding of contemporary family issues, we will look at issues of work-family balance, parenting, marriage, divorce, and adoption. While we will examine practices world-wide, our primary focus will be on western societies including Scandinavia, Western Europe, and the U.S. We will conduct research and field studies on issues pertaining to the Danish family.
Instructors
-
Michelle Janning
(PhD [2000] & MA [1996] Sociology, University of Notre Dame; BA [1994] Sociology and Anthropology, St. Olaf College) is an Associate Professor of Sociology and Assistant Dean of the Faculty at Whitman College. She teaches courses in gender, family, research methods, and introductory sociology. Her research focuses on gender, work, family, popular culture, and education.
