89636 - Sociology of Family and Education (6 CFU)

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, the student: - knows the main theories and methodological approaches to the study of the family, - possesses a basic knowledge of the family institution and its cultural and structural transformations, with particular attention to gender and intergenerational relations, - knows and is able to apply the theoretical and empirical tools for reading and analysing the major problems of the contemporary family, - possesses the tools necessary for analysing the most innovative ‘family skills’ and social services for families in Italy and Europe. - knows and is able to apply the main interpretative models of educational processes and institutions, - knows the fields of study and research of the sociology of education, - knows and is able to apply research methods and techniques for reading the processes and systems of education emerging in contemporary global society.

Course contents

The course is divided into two main modules.

In the first module, the main transformations of the contemporary family will be analysed. For decades now, it has been considered more correct to speak of families (plural noun) instead of the family. Often, however, this plurality is thought to be linked to “possible family forms”, the list of which is quite substantial. In reality, if one looks at families from the point of view of the quality of relationships, one realises that plurality is also expressed transversally in similar family forms: no two families are the same. In other words, one can no longer think of a standard type of family because there are no longer any typical models of family functioning: each nucleus (whatever its form) constitutes itself as a singular subject, working out its own modes of functioning. Particular attention will also be paid to the issue of parenting and the relationship between generations.

The second module will be devoted to the analysis of the issue of violence against women. It will analyse the reference regulatory context both internationally and in Italy. Starting from the concept of violence against women, the topic of the cultural roots of violence will be addressed, in particular the role of gender stereotypes and sexist culture in language and the media. Finally, instruments to combat violence and the need for a “cultural revolution” will be presented.

Readings/Bibliography

The texts to be brought to the examination are (SS 9 and 12 CFU; SPOSI 10 CFU):

1) Lecture slides and material indicated by the lecturer (which will be downloadable from https://virtuale.unibo.it/ relating to the current academic year i.e. 2025-2026).

2) F. Bertocchi (2024), La violenza contro le donne. La rivoluzione culturale, Milan, FrancoAngeli, downloadable free of charge at: https://series.francoangeli.it/index.php/oa/index (Open Access catalogue).

The teaching of Theory of socialisation processes is borrowed from the teaching of Sociology of the family and education, therefore the examination programme is the same.

For the 6 CFU Sociology of Family and Education teaching in the SS degree course, the texts to be taken for the examination are:

1) The slides of the lectures and the material indicated by the lecturer where the words 6 CFU appear (which will be downloadable from https://virtuale.unibo.it/ relating to the current academic year i.e. 2025-2026).

2) F. Bertocchi (2024), La violenza contro le donne. La rivoluzione culturale, Milan, FrancoAngeli, downloadable free of charge at: https://series.francoangeli.it/index.php/oa/index (Open Access catalogue).

 

Teaching methods

Lectures, in-depth lectures, classroom discussions, viewing of films and videos relevant to the course topics. In addition, students will be able to carry out individual or group work on the theme of violence against women, including the preparation of a report and its presentation in the classroom (contributing to the final grade).

Attendance is not compulsory, but strongly recommended.

Assessment methods

The assessment of learning will take the form of an oral interview.

Students with disabilities or specific learning disorders are invited to contact the lecturer if they wish to assess the possibility of adapting the examination format or if they have special needs, including in relation to the lessons.

Requests must be submitted by email to the teacher sent from their institutional address nome.cognome@studio.unibo.it and copied to the Service, in order to guarantee their legitimacy.

Requests must be sent at least 15 days before the examination date.

Teaching tools

During the lectures, slides and further material will be presented and can be downloaded by the attending student at: https://virtuale.unibo.it/.

Office hours

See the website of Federica Bertocchi