02515 - Sociology of the Family

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course the student will: - understand children and adolescents' social development; - know the most important interpretative models of the family system evolution at national and international level, - knows theories and operational tools for understanding familiar contexts - is able to critically analyze factors determining gender roles; - knows how to master gender categories and major concepts of contemporary feminist thought, applying them to the international context - knows the main social dynamics affecting gender inequalities in Italy, both in the family and extra-family contexts (especially in education and employment) - is able to understand the evolution of current models of maternity and paternity, - knows the tools of work-family conciliation locally, nationally and internationally, - deals with gender differences from a historical and sociological perspective.

Course contents

The first part of the course will focus on: the major theoretical approaches about gender differences; social dynamics related to socialization to sex roles (from childhood to adolescence); differences and inequalities between men and women (especially in education and employment); main stages of gender emancipation in Italian history; gender in the Italian media. The second part of the course focuses on the main concepts in sociology of the family: models and timing of family formation in Italy; transition to adulthood; kinship; work-family balance; gender violence. The course is designed to get students acquainted with changes that have characterized Italian families over the last century, as well as to develop critical skills in analyzing how such changes are embedded within the Italian welfare state system.

Readings/Bibliography

1. Slides provided in the e-learning environment;  2. Connell R.W., Questioni di genere , Bologna, Il Mulino, 2011 (only ch.2, 4, 5, 6; Second Edition);  3. Saraceno C. e Naldini, M., Sociologia della famiglia, Bologna, Il Mulino, 2013 (only ch.1, 3, 4, 6, 7; Second Edition). Online assignments will be also provided.

Teaching methods

Interactive classroom and online activities.

Assessment methods

Written test with closed and open-ended questions for both attending and non attending students. Online assignments will be also provided. The final mark, if more than 18/30, can be changed by an oral examination.

Teaching tools

Powerpoint Slides; Readings; E-learning.

Office hours

See the website of Rossella Ghigi