Course Listing

Blood, Sex, Money, and Power

Course Description

Examine the social forces that shape inequality within marriage and other intimate relationships across diverse groups. Explore the concept of family as a key institution where social rules and practices are communicated, endorsed, and sometimes critiqued by members of society. Learn how "blood" (biological relationships) and "sex" (a basis for sanctioning - or not - physical intimacy and a basis for determining which sexual combinations in families are accepted by society) define family. Explore the historical role of families as economic institutions and the role that money plays in the formation and maintenance of families. Learn how families create and maintain power relations.