Sociology and Criminology

Gendering the Life Course

Module code: L3093E
Level 4
15 credits in spring semester
Teaching method: Lecture, Seminar
Assessment modes: Portfolio

On this module, you’ll develop sociological thinking about inequalities, especially those relating to gender, as they emerge across the life course.

You'll learn about key topics including:

• birth and the ascription of gender identity
• childhood and education
• sexual reproduction, parenting and families
• paid and unpaid work
• illness and health
• old age

The module will build on your own experiences and observations to encourage the growth of a sociological imagination.

Throughout the module, key theoretical frameworks will be explored. You’ll also explore a series of concrete cases and problems, in which researchers applying such theories to issues around gender difference, will do so in relation to key issues in social policy, health, education and psychology.

By the end of the module, you’ll have gained an understanding of gender and the concept of inequality, and be able to provide critical accounts of the links between gendered social relations, cultural settings and individual behaviour and experiences.

Module learning outcomes

• Demonstrate understanding and knowledge of key theoretical approaches in the sociology of gender
• Demonstrate an understanding of the way gender differences are formed and represented at key points across the life course.
• Assess the strengths and weaknesses of empirical material as evidence on gender experiences
• Use theoretical accounts of how, why and when gender differences and inequalities emerge to analyse such differences in at least three life course contexts