The Changing Nature of the Family

What are the social, economic and cultural influences that shape experiences of family life? What can sociological critiques of the nuclear family tell us about the family life and care of children?  This module will give you a fascinating insight into the changing nature of the modern family.  You’ll have the chance to explore issues such as cultural diversity, domestic violence and gender roles in relation to family life and childhood development.

What does the module cover?

Gain an appreciation of the different ideological complexities of family life and the diversity of households in the U.K. today.  You’ll learn to analyse different aspects of family life using sociological themes and concepts, evaluate arguments and debates about family life; and think more critically about a range of complex issues in society.  Learn to apply your knowledge of this topic in a diversity of real life social settings and situations.  Finally, use your skills to “problematize” one area of this topic, research it thoroughly and form a conclusion.

More Information

Module Code:

ED2017

Key topics

• Constructing an individual family tree:  “problematizing” the family and identifying issues of interest and concern,  e.g. the ideology of the nuclear family

• A basic review of sociological enquiry and a more detailed investigation of key theoretical approaches and particular critiques of the family, e.g. feminist thinking

Exploring issues further such as:

• Cultural differences
• Domestic violence
• Gender roles
• Intimacy

Pre-requisites

None

Number of credits & study time

20 credits / 200 hours

Assessment

In addition to completing a number of formative assessments as part of your coursework, you’ll need to successfully complete a 4000 word essay as a summative assessment.