Families, The State and Social Policy

In this course we will consider the range of family forms (including living alone) that exist in the United States and evaluate how social policy shapes the dynamics of different types of families. We will be particularly attentive to variations in experience by gender, age, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, citizenship, and social class. Although the focus will be on contemporary United States, we will also examine some cross-cultural and historical material. (SOAN 0105 or SOAN 0212) 3 hrs. sem.