In this course, we trace the history of the American family from the 19th-century farm--in which work, medical care, and entertainment went on--to the smaller, more diverse, and subjectively defined family of the 21st century. We also explore ways in which the family acts as a "shock absorber" of many trends including immigration, the increasing social class divide, and especially the growing domination of the marketplace. Finally, we also explore the diversity of family forms associated with social class, ethnicity, and sexual orientation.

This course explores the dimensions and diversity of contemporary family life in the United States from an institutional perspective. We consider how family patterns have changed over the 20th and into the 21st Century, focusing on changes in marriage and other aspects of family organization over time, with attention to class, race, and gender. We consider sociological theories about family life by exploring contemporary aspects of relationships between romantic partners, parents and children, gender relations, the influence of the marketplace on family life and work and family.

All Sociology upper division course seats are reserved for declared Sociology majors ONLY. In phase II (7/18/22), we will open up seating to accommodate most majors.

Credit Restrictions

Students will receive no credit for Sociology 111AC after taking Sociology 111; a deficient grade in Sociology 111 may be removed by taking Sociology 111AC.

Repeat Rules

Course is not repeatable for credit.

Requirements class fulfills