30203

SoSe 13: Family change and family policies in comparative perspective

Pia Schober

Comments

This course looks at family policies from a comparative perspective. It considers commonalities and differences between countries and how these have been conceptualized, analyzed and explained. It first gives an overview of demographic trends and changes in gender relations and family circumstances and how these have varied across European countries. The second part of the seminar will equip students with theoretical perspectives and criteria for evaluating family policies. In the third part, we will discuss cross-national variations in different types of policies, such as measures for work-family reconciliation, lone parent income support, promotion of child wellbeing and for dealing with parental separation and divorce. Most attention is given to European family policies though some account is taken of developments elsewhere. Throughout the course, we will discuss questions such as: To what extent have policies responded to changing family needs or shaped behavior in families? Do policies have different effects on women, men, and children? Requirements: Regular attendance and active participation in classroom discussion Class preparation by reading selected priority readings 20-minute presentation (topics allocated in week 1) Seminar paper: 3000-word paper which proposes criteria for evaluating a specific family policy and assesses this policy in three different countries. A topic outline needs to be submitted beforehand. close

11 Class schedule

Regular appointments

Mon, 14:00 - 16:00 11 Class schedule

Mon, 2013-04-08 14:00 - 16:00

Lecturers:
Pia Schober