This module is not currently running in 2024 to 2025.
The following areas will be covered:
• The social history of 'the family' and its transformations.
• The sociology of the public/private split
• The evolution of policies relating to 'family life'
• The 'individualisation' thesis
• The economics and obligations of the family
• Recent social and demographic changes considered to underlie the problem of the contemporary family (changes in fertility patterns, in marriage and co-habitation, the rise of single person households)
• Debates about specific current policies about 'parenting'
• Critiques of state intervention in family life
Total contact hours: 22
Private study hours: 128
Total study hours: 150
Optional module for SSPSSR bachelor degrees including:-
Social Policy BA and Social Policy joint honours degrees
Sociology BA and Sociology joint honours degrees
Main assessment methods
Coursework – essay (3000 words) – 40%
Coursework – seminar participation – 5%
Coursework presentation – 15%
Examination (2 hours) – 40%
Reassessment methods
100% coursework
Chambers, D. 2012. A Sociology of Family Life. Polity Press
Lee, E, Bristow, J. Faircloth, J.C. and Macvarish, J. 2014. Parenting Culture Studies. Palgrave
Segalen, M. 1996. A History of the Family Vol.2. Harvard University Press.
Hays, S. 1996. The Cultural Contradictions of Motherhood. Yale University Press
Hendrick, H.(ed). 2005. Child welfare and social policy an essential reader. Policy Press
Smart, C. 2007. Personal Life. Polity Press
See the library reading list for this module (Canterbury)
The intended subject specific learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
8.1 Describe and assess a range of theoretical accounts of the significance of the changing character of the contemporary family
8.2 Understand the social, economic and cultural dimensions of the family.
8.3 Be familiar with debates about the nature of the relationship between modernity and 'the family', including through discussion of the idea of
'obligation'.
8.4 Demonstrate an understanding of the changeability of 'the family'.
8.5 Be familiar with contemporary social research on the family and family policy.
8.6 Identify the main policy developments in Britain in the area of family policy and be aware of the origins of these policy developments,
drawing on relevant social scientific literature and empirical evidence.
The intended generic learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
9.1 Conduct research, by using library e-journal and other on-line resources
9.2 Present arguments in oral form, through developing skills in seminar discussion and debate
9.3 Organise information in a clear and coherent manner, through essay writing, and discussion of completed essays in seminars and module
convenor office hours
9.4 Demonstrate critical thinking, analysis and synthesis, through application of sociological theory and research evidence to understandings
of social problems and policy responses
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