SO454 Half Unit
Families and Inequalities
This information is for the 2025/26 session.
Course Convenor
Dr Ursula Henz
Availability
This course is available on the MSc in Inequalities and Social Science, MSc in International Migration and Public Policy, MSc in International Migration and Public Policy (LSE and Sciences Po) and MSc in Sociology. This course is freely available as an outside option to students on other programmes where regulations permit. It does not require permission. This course uses controlled access as part of the course selection process.
This course has a limited number of places (it is controlled access). Places are allocated based on a written statement, with priority given to students who have this course listed in their programme regulations.
How to apply: For information on how to apply for a place on this course, including deadlines, please see Courses offered and related information.
Course content
The course provides an introduction into selected issues of family sociology, focusing on families in contemporary Western societies. It addresses inequalities within and between families and the role of families in reproducing social inequality. Major themes include: childhood; transition to adulthood; partner selection; marriage, divorce and post-divorce families; parenting; gender roles and the division of paid and unpaid work; intergenerational ties.
Teaching
This course has a reading week in Week 6 of Autumn Term.
This course is usually delivered through a combination of lectures and seminars. There will be two hours or more of teaching each week in AT.
Formative assessment
Essay (1500 words)
Students will be expected to produce one essay in the AT.
Indicative reading
A detailed reading list will be provided at the beginning of the course. General reading: J Treas, J Scott, M Richards (eds.) (2014) The Wiley Blackwell Companion to The Sociology of Families, Chichester, West Sussex: Wiley Blackwell. Selected recommended books: S Arber & C Attias-Donfut (2000) The Myth of Generational Conflict. The Family and State in Ageing Societies. London and New York: Routledge; A Hochschild, Arlie (2012) The Second Shift. Working Parents and the Revolution at Home. New York: Penguin; A Lareau (2011) Unequal Childhoods. Class, Race and Family Life. University of California Press: Berkeley, Los Angeles, London.
Assessment
Exam (90%), duration: 120 Minutes in the January exam period
Presentation (10%)
The presentation will be completed in the AT.
Attendance at all seminars and submission of all set coursework is required.
Key facts
Department: Sociology
Course Study Period: Autumn Term
Unit value: Half unit
FHEQ Level: Level 7
CEFR Level: Null
Total students 2024/25: Unavailable
Average class size 2024/25: Unavailable
Controlled access 2024/25: NoCourse selection videos
Some departments have produced short videos to introduce their courses. Please refer to the course selection videos index page for further information.
Personal development skills
- Self-management
- Team working
- Communication