Sociology of Family and Childhood

Ideologically different views on family and childhood are at the heart of today's political, cultural and religious controversies. What were once taken for granted, to marry and have children, are now subject to new mechanisms. Parenthood is postponed, informalized family forms are increasing, and the boundaries between family and work life are being erased. The importance of biology, particularly in relation to fatherhood, change. Children grow up in more unstable families, but also with a wider family network, both biological and non-biological. The global has become part of daily life, and represents a historic change for the family and childhood. Gender, generation and class are key approaches in the course.

Students will be introduced to new sociological theories of social change and the contexts of family, gender and generation. The term paper should be an independent treatment of a theme taken up in the teaching of the subject and may have an extent of 15-20 pages, or from 5600 to 7500 words.

Knowledge - the student shall:
* know the central discussions and newer research in the Sociology of Family and Childhood Skills in both the Norwegian and international context with special emphasis on the connections between the global and the local as well as the general features of family and childhood in light of a modern society and multicultural contexts.
* know how to critically reflect on the connections between changes in modern society and personal life.

Skills - the student shall demonstrate the ability to:
* treat one of the themes addressed during instruction in an independent method through written work.

Lectures and seminars.
Form of assessment: Individual term paper and oral examination. The oral exam may be used to adjust the grade by one unit on the scale. The oral exam will include the research paper, the individually selected readings and the required readings. If less than 6 students attend the course the two first weeeks of teaching, the course will be given as an individual study course with supervision. Please contact the departement for further information.