Introduction to Sociology of Marriage and Family

Viktoriya KIM (Graduate School of Human Sciences)

Course Objective
   This course is designed to enable you to study sociological concepts, theoretical perspectives and contemporary issues related to the institution of family and the institution of marriage as both private and public social institutions. In the class we will explore the nature of and change in family structure throughout history and in contemporary society with particular focus on Japanese families. Since the family is intertwined with gender and social class inequalities, we will also cover these topics in terms of family and marriage. We will look at the origin and development of marriage and the family, how people are affected by these institutions, gender roles in the families and different types of families, such as non-married families, gay and lesbian families, single parent families and intermarried families.

Requirement / Prerequisite
   No

Course Content
   Week 1. Introduction to Marriage and Family
                 Definitions of the "Family"
   Week 2. The History of the Family
   Week 3. Ways of Studying and Explaining Marriage and Families
   Week 4. Intimate Relationships
                 The Notion of Love
   Week 5. Dating, Coupling and Mate Selection
   Week 6. Sexuality and Intimate Relationships
   Week 7. Marriage and Cohabitation
                 Marriage and Alternative Family Forms
   Week 8. Intermarriage
   Week 9. Children and Parents
   Week 10. Work and Family
   Week 11. Family Conflicts and Domestic Violence
   Week 12. Elderly Families
   Week 13. Divorce
                   Uncoupling and Divorce
   Week 14. Remarriage and Step-Parenthood
   Week 15. Final Presentation and Course Review

Class Plan
   The course will be delivered utilizing a blend of lectures, practical activities, group discussions and case study investigations. Students are expected to prepare for each class by doing all required readings and assignments, and participate in class discussions. Each student should submit his/her reflections, opinion and questions on the topic at the end of each class.

Textbooks
   Schwartz, Mary Ann and Barbara Marliene Scott, 2010. Marriages and Families: Diversity and Change (Sixth Edition). Pearson: Printice Hall.

Grading Policy

• Attendance and Class Participation: 15%
  You are expected to attend each class session, engage in active discussion and submit reflection memos.
• Exam: 40% (2×20%)
• Report and Presentation: 30% (3-5 pages, A4, Arial 12 points, 1.5 spacing) +15%
  Choose one particular topic that was covered in the course and interview four people of the same gender of different generations (like your grandparents and/or parents' generation, and/or someone close to your age, two people from each generation group) regarding their opinion, experience and vision on the topic. Find out how the topic is discussed in scientific literature (using at least two sources) and analyze the differences in the vision of the same topic between generations, how the topic/problem has changed with time, and what factors have influenced people's visions.