This course unit develops reflective knowledge with students about the concept of Family and its construction and historical and social contextualization. From the plural meaning, associated with the social and cultural context of the present Western society, this UC aims to provide analytical tools to students, theoretically discussing the notions of the family institution, deepening its historical origins. To this end, we try to discuss relevant issues related to families in today's Portugal, based on the main sociological theories in this field. It seeks to understand its configuration in the light of its relations with other social institutions. In this context, issues such as: various (new) forms of relationships and families, the division of domestic work and power relations, the place of children and young people, domestic violence, divorce and family support networks, the place of older people and aging. In this sense, its complexity imposes a conceptual family approach that will be thought of as a place of practice, whose meanings are made by those who participate in it.
Family(ies) Relationships/Marriage Power relations Family(ies) Roles
At the end of this course unit - the student has acquired the following competencies:
- Develops a sociological view of families, recognizing their importance, diversity and complexity;
- Know the influential theories of family sociology and apply them in the analysis of social reality;
- Understands and knows how to deal, in a constructive and informed way, with the recent changes that have occurred in family structures.
1. From the precursors to the sociology of the family. The concept of family as social construction: Revisiting social theory and methodological approaches.
2. Social history: the family of the European past: 1970 - paradigm shift.
3. Contemporary family dynamics.
4. The (new) family relations I: challenges and tensions.
5. The (new) family relations II: families, education and intergenerational relationships.
Bibliography and other resources are organized by themes - available during the semester in a virtual classroom, but others will be indicated in order to complement the learning.
General and complementary bibliography:
- Almeida, A.N. (2003) “Família, Conjugalidade e procriação: valores e papéis” in Vala, J. et al (org), Valores Sociais: mudanças e contrastes em Portugal e na Europa, Lisboa, Imprensa de Ciências Sociais, pp. 47-93.
- Amâncio, L. (1994); Masculino e Feminino. A construção social da diferença. Porto, Edições Afrontamento.
- Amaro, Fausto (2006) Introdução à Sociologia da Família, Lisboa, UTL, ISCSP, 167p.
- Leandro, Maria Engrácia (2001). Sociologia da Família nas Sociedades Contemporâneas. Lisboa: Universidade Aberta.
- Torres, A. (2001) Sociologia do Casamento – A família e a Questão feminina. Oeiras: Celta Editora.
- Vieira, Cristina Pereira (2012) Eu faço sexo amoroso – A sexualidade dos Jovens pela voz dos Próprios, da editorial Bizâncio.
Continuous assessment is privileged: 2 digital written documents (e-folios) during the semester (40%) and a presence-based final exam (p-folio) in the end of the semester (60%). In due time, students can alternatively choose to perform one final presence-based exam (100%).
Students are required to have access to a computer with Internet connection and an e-mail address as well as to have computer literacy from the users' perspective.
Language(s) of Instruction: Portuguese.
