SOC 6280

Family Demography

Course Description

Course information provided by the 2026-2027 Catalog.

This graduate seminar explores changes in family behaviors and household relationships from a demographic perspective. It focuses centrally on contemporary trends in the United States, considering (sometimes competing) interpretations of the causes and consequences of family change and variation, drawing on literature from demography, sociology, economics, and human development. Emphasis is placed on critically evaluating research in this area, including assessments of data quality, research design, and causal inference. Topics include union formation and dissolution, fertility, family structure, parenting, and the intersection of work and family. Cross-cutting these topics, we examine variation in family patterns by social class, race/ethnicity, and gender, and we think about their implications for the well-being of family members, social inequality, and public policy.

Prerequisites SOC 6130 OR PUBPOL 6060.

Enrollment Information Enrollment limited to: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) students.

Last 4 Terms Offered 2022SP, 2020SP, 2016FA, 2013FA

Learning Outcomes

• Advance substantive knowledge of family demography, including contemporary trends in family behaviors, explanations for patterns of change, and potential consequences for family members and processes of social inequality.
• Critically evaluate research in this area, including assessments of data quality, research design, and causal inference.
• Use demographic tools of analysis for independent, empirical research.
• Apply principles of ethical and professional conduct.
• Develop strategies for communicating, collaborating, and critiquing in ways that are respectful and advance our learning.

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