SOC 351 - Sociology of the Family

3 credits
Examination of family organization and interaction patterns among family members. Origin and development of kinship patterns found in Western and less urbanized and industrialized societies, and their relationship to economic institutions and social structures. The function of the family in socialization and enculturation of society’s recruits. Examination of the family in relation to sex-role socialization and gender behavior. Family life cycle, including courtship, marriage, reproduction, and old age. Family organization and interpersonal dynamics within families are examined in relation to social class and ethnicity with emphasis on poor families and those of ethnic minorities. Special attention is devoted to family problems (e.g., single parenting, divorce, and domestic violence) and problems frequently associated with family life; e.g., drug and alcohol abuse, mental illness, and juvenile delinquency.
Prerequisite(s): SOC 100