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SP20004: Family matters: the sociology of the family & family policy

[Page last updated: 15 October 2020]

Follow this link for further information on academic years Academic Year: 2020/1
Further information on owning departmentsOwning Department/School: Department of Social & Policy Sciences
Further information on credits Credits: 6      [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]
Further information on notional study hours Notional Study Hours: 120
Further information on unit levels Level: Intermediate (FHEQ level 5)
Further information on teaching periods Period:
Semester 1
Further information on unit assessment Assessment Summary: EX 100%
Further information on unit assessment Assessment Detail:
  • Examination (100%) (EX 100%)
Further information on supplementary assessment Supplementary Assessment:
SP20004B Reassessment Only - Coursewoek (where allowed by programme regulations)
Further information on requisites Requisites:
Description: Aims:
This unit examines changing patterns and organisation of family life and social relationships and considers the implications of these for gender roles and for policy. During the course we will:
1. critically examine the history and nature of changing patterns of family formation and dissolution in modern societies, and the policy responses to these;
2. explore the ways in which the nature, structure and functions of the family have been explained and interpreted in contemporary sociological theory.
3. place the study of the family in the wider context of contemporary social trends, particularly individualisation and the division between public and private spheres.

Learning Outcomes:
By the end of the unit, students will have:
* studied key sociological texts relating to various aspects of the family in modern society;
* examined the ways in which governments seek to regulate family behaviour, comparing the UK with other countries;
* explored the way in which family (kin) relationships have been theorised to adapt to increasing individualisation and regulation. By the end of the unit, students should be able to:
* access a range of sources relating to family structure and family trends;
* apply different theories and approaches to the study of family and individualization;
* critically analyse the values and assumptions underlying state policy and the family.

Skills:

* To think creatively and analytically.
* To communicate an argument.
* To evaluate others' arguments and research.
* To learn independently and be able to assess own learning needs (i.e. identify strengths and improve weaknesses in methods of learning and studying).
* To critically evaluate and assess research and evidence as well as a variety of other information.
* To gather information, data, research and literature from a number of different sources (i.e. library, web-based, archives etc.).
* To select appropriate and relevant information from a wide source and large body of knowledge.
* To analyse and evaluate innovative practices in students' relevant degree discipline.
* To explore a variety of relationships and environments relevant to learning and practising within the context of the students' degree discipline.
* To effectively and efficiently apply principles of sociological/social policy analysis within a variety of environments.
* To develop study & Learning skills (note taking, avoiding plagiarism, using the library, gathering and using information, constructing a bibliography, referencing)
* To develop inter-personal and communication skills
* To develop revision and Examination skills
* To develop time-management and administrative skills
* To develop presentation skills and verbal communication (i.e. seminar and tutorial contributions)
* To lead others confidently and competently
* To solve problems in a variety of situations.
* To prioritise workloads, and utilise long- and short-term planning skills.

Content:
Portrayal and reality of the family today; Historical development of the family; Emergence of the nuclear family; The economics of the family; Falling birth rates and policy responses; Comparing 'Western' families and policies; The family in contemporary theory; Family obligations; Intergenerational ties; Marriage and divorce; Parenting together and parenting apart; Romance and Love; Diversity or Breakdown?, the importance of friendships and 'families of choice'.
Further information on programme availabilityProgramme availability:

SP20004 is Compulsory on the following programmes:

Department of Social & Policy Sciences

SP20004 is Optional on the following programmes:

Department of Education
  • UHED-AFB12 : BA(Hons) Education with Psychology (Year 2)
  • UHED-AKB12 : BA(Hons) Education with Psychology with Professional Placement (Year 2)
Department of Politics, Languages and International Studies
  • UHPL-AFB30 : BSc(Hons) Politics and International Relations (Year 2)
  • UHPL-AAB30 : BSc(Hons) Politics and International Relations with Study year abroad (Year 2)
  • UHPL-AKB30 : BSc(Hons) Politics and International Relations with Year long work placement (Year 2)
  • UHPL-AFB10 : BSc(Hons) Politics with Economics (Year 2)
  • UHPL-AAB10 : BSc(Hons) Politics with Economics with Study year abroad (Year 2)
  • UHPL-AKB10 : BSc(Hons) Politics with Economics with Year long work placement (Year 2)
Department of Psychology Department of Social & Policy Sciences
  • UHSP-AFB14 : BSc(Hons) Applied Social Studies (Year 3)
  • UHSP-AFB22 : BSc(Hons) Criminology (Year 2)
  • UHSP-AKB22 : BSc(Hons) Criminology with Year long work placement (Year 2)
  • UHSP-AFB05 : BSc(Hons) Social Sciences (Year 2)
  • UHSP-AFB05 : BSc(Hons) Social Sciences (Year 3)
  • UHSP-AKB05 : BSc(Hons) Social Sciences with Year long work placement (Year 2)
  • UHSP-AKB05 : BSc(Hons) Social Sciences with Year long work placement (Year 4)
  • UHSP-AFB04 : BSc(Hons) Sociology (Year 2)
  • UHSP-AFB04 : BSc(Hons) Sociology (Year 3)
  • UHSP-AKB04 : BSc(Hons) Sociology with Year long work placement (Year 2)
  • UHSP-AKB04 : BSc(Hons) Sociology with Year long work placement (Year 4)
  • UHSP-AFB10 : BSc(Hons) Sociology and Social Policy (Year 2)
  • UHSP-AFB10 : BSc(Hons) Sociology and Social Policy (Year 3)
  • UHSP-AKB10 : BSc(Hons) Sociology and Social Policy with Year long work placement (Year 2)
  • UHSP-AKB10 : BSc(Hons) Sociology and Social Policy with Year long work placement (Year 4)

Notes:

  • This unit catalogue is applicable for the 2020/21 academic year only. Students continuing their studies into 2021/22 and beyond should not assume that this unit will be available in future years in the format displayed here for 2020/21.
  • Programmes and units are subject to change in accordance with normal University procedures.
  • Availability of units will be subject to constraints such as staff availability, minimum and maximum group sizes, and timetabling factors as well as a student's ability to meet any pre-requisite rules.
  • Find out more about these and other important University terms and conditions here.