SOC 440 - Gender, Work, and Family

This course focuses on the interrelationships between work and family, with special attention given to gender as a significant factor affecting the nature of these relationships. With historic increases in women’s labor force participation over the last few decades of the 20th century, the dual-earner family has replaced the single-earner, male breadwinner family as the new norm. For example, over 70% of mothers are in the labor force and both parents are employed in a majority of married couple families with children (Bureau of Labor Statistics). The Pew Research Center recently reported that 40% of households with children have mothers who are the only or primary earners for their families (25% single and 15% married). At the same time, fathers are spending more time with their children than ever. According to the Families and Work Institute, fathers in dual-earner couples now experience more work-family conflict than mothers. While this issue has often been framed as a women’s issue, it is becoming increasingly important for men as their roles are changing too. Among areas of focus are changing attitudes regarding gender roles, the division of labor at home and work, and potential workplace and government policies that may help individuals and families better balance these two important domains. Students will be required to complete a research project. The class will be set up as half discussion, half workshop.

Satisfies a major requirement in Sociology and Gender and Sexuality Studies.
Satisfies a minor requirement in Gender and Sexuality Studies.
Satisfies an interdisciplinary minor requirement in Gender Studies.