The family is one of the most important institutions in any society. It is critical to the socialization of each generation and to the stability and functioning of the larger society. Family systems vary across cultures and have changed dramatically in the United States in recent decades. Understanding the causes and consequences of such variation is a central focus of social research. Family change is reflected in demographic patterns through its impact on fertility, marriage, divorce, migration, and mortality. Population processes also respond to technological factors, economic change, and social policy. The study of population patterns provides an opportunity to investigate quantitatively the interactions between large social aggregates and the behavior of individuals.

Basic Courses:
SOC 2 Social Problems and Public Policy
SOC 4 Family
SOC 7 Population and Society
SOC 11 Urban Sociology
SOC 104 Sociology of Sex: Comparative Approach
SOC 110 The Rich and the Poor
SOC 112 Discrimination: Sexual and Racial Conflict
SOC 122 Sociology of Gender
SOC 128 Introduction to Demographic Methods
SOC 264 Poverty, Race and Health
SOC 274 AIDS in Historical Perspective
SOC 275 Sociology of Medicine

Advanced Courses:
SOC 524 Advanced Topics in the Sociology of the Family
SOC 541 Gender, The Labor Force and Markets
SOC 542 Work and Gender
SOC 594 History of Population

Last Modified: 07-Nov-2003

For updates, comments please contact: saunderc@ssc.upenn.edu