This course examines sociological theories of love, marriage and family complementing this review with an overview of recent demographic changes in family and marriage formation accompanied by significant cultural shifts.  A large part of the course is devoted to the examination of special topics including gender roles, love and sexuality in relationships, the meaning of family and marriage across cultures, singlehood and partner selection; stress, crisis, violence and abuse in relationships. Other topics include divorce, remarriage and their effect on children; childlessness as a lifestyle, same-sex relationships, balancing work and family life, globalisation and outsourcing of care.

2,500 word Essay (40%); 1000 word Tutorial Paper (20%); Tutorial Participation (10%); Tutorial Research Project (30%).

22 hours of lectures and 10 hours of tutorials. Lectures will be taped.

12 units of 1000-level courses or with the permission of the coordinator.

Gilding, M., Australian Families. A Comparative Perspective, Melbourne: Longman, 1997.