SV-217 Childhood, families and gender

The course is connected to the following study programs

• Bachelor's Programme in Sociology
• Child Welfare, 5 year Master's Programme
• Advanced Teacher Education level 8-13, 5-year Master's Programme

Teaching language

English

Recommended prerequisites

SV-143 Social Institutions, ME-110 Practical Social Research

Course contents

This course gives an introduction to the sociology of childhood and families. Theoretically, the course is informed by social constructionism, exploring the relationship between everyday practices at the micro level and institutional processes at the macro level. Sociological theory and research exploring diverse family lives and childhoods in and beyond Norway is used to address contemporary understandings of families and childhood in Norway. The course has an integrated gender perspective. It also sheds light on the impact of class, ethnicity, migration, sexuality and generation on family life and childhoods.

Topics addressed include:

• Theoretical perspectives on the family and family life

• Theoretical perspectives on and understandings of childhood

• Theoretical perspectives on gender

• Children and families of the welfare state: policies, professions and institutions

• Parenting and grandparenting in contemporary Norway

• Perspectives on diversity and inequality

• Methods for researching everyday life

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of the course, the students should:

Knowledge

• have knowledge about how childhood, family life and gender unfold in everyday life

• have knowledge about how childhood and family life are shaped within historical and cultural context

• have an understanding of the importance of institutional contexts for everyday practices and changes concerning childhoods, family relations and gender

• have knowledge of policies regarding childhood, families, gender and welfare

• have basic knowledge of strategies for researching everyday life

Skills

• be able to apply sociological concepts and theories to analyze the everyday lives of children and families

• be able to make use of sociological theories to discuss policy, institutions and social processes related to childhood, families and gender

General competence

• have awareness of the complex relationships between people's everyday lives and the institutional structures and social processes they are part of

Examination requirements

Students are required to submit assignments as specified by the lecturers. Information about compulsory assignments will be given in Canvas at the start of the semester.

Teaching methods

The course consists of lectures, individual project work and self-organized study groups. The lecturers will provide practical exercises for the study groups and supervision of project work. This course is intended for both Norwegian and international students. Estimated workload is 270 hours.

Evaluation

Student evaluation is carried out as a midway evaluation and in accordance with the normal arrangement as described in the quality system, chapter 4.1. If necessary, a possible end of semester evaluation may be implemented.

Assessment methods and criteria

Individual semester assignment, graded A-F.