Another focus is the reciprocal relationship, whereby individuals modify the world around them and their ideas influence society. A study of the family and population dynamics. Issues of fertility, such as teenage pregnancy, the timing of parenthood, and the determinants and consequences of family size, are discussed as they relate to family behavior such as marital patterns, the use of childcare options, and the relationship between work and the family. Issues of policy as related to demographic changes in the family are also considered. An inquiry into the institutional bases of gender roles and gender inequality, cultural perspectives on gender, gender socialization, feminism, and gender-role change.
Emphasis is on contemporary American society.
Topics of special interest both to students who are specializing in sociology and to other students. May be repeated to a maximum of 6 credits when topics differ. An exposition of basic social processes in the relations of ethnic groups, immigrant groups, African Americans, and Native Americans in the United States, and of ethnic minorities in Europe. An analysis of race-related issues, focusing mainly on American society. Discussion covers the incorporation of gender roles into social institutions, perpetuation or transformation of gender roles by social institutions, and how changes in gender roles affect social institutions.