SOCY 1058 Sociology of the Family
In recent years, U.S. public policy has focused on strengthening the nuclear family as a primary strategy for reducing poverty and improving the lives of America's youth. It is often assumed that this type of family is healthy, financially independent, heterosexual, violence-free, normative, and grounded in historical tradition. This course examines these assumptions sociologically while considering systemic variations in race/ethnicity, class, gender, ability, and sexual orientation within and among American families.
Course overview
- Department
- Sociology
- School
- MCAS
- Credits
- 3
- Level
- Undergraduate
- Offered
- Periodically in the Spring
Catalog details
- Satisfies core
- Social Science
Requirements fulfilled
- Applied Psychology and Human Development: Major electives — any Psychology (PSYC) or Sociology (SOCY) course (no more than two electives from outside LSEHD) (Current University Catalog; students should confirm their catalog year)
- Sociology: Sociology electives (18 credits, generally six courses) (Current University Catalog; students should confirm their catalog year)
- University Core: Social Science (All undergraduates)
Course evaluations
- Course rating
- 3.53 / 5 · Very Good
- Instructor rating
- 3.66 / 5 · Very Good
- Terms evaluated
- 2
| Term | Instructor | Course overall | Instructor overall | Well organized | Clear learning objectives | Intellectually challenging | Helpful assignments | Applicable beyond course | Attendance necessary | Weekly effort | Responses |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall 2025 | Patricia Arend | 3.6 | 3.7 | 4.0 | 4.1 | 4.2 | 4.1 | 4.4 | 4.6 | 4–6 hrs/week | 18 of 26 |
| Summer 2025 | Patricia Arend | 3.3 | 3.3 | 4.3 | 3.7 | 3.3 | 4.0 | 4.7 | 4.0 | 7–9 hrs/week | 3 of 5 |