SOS2402 ¨C Family, gender equality and the welfare state

Course content

This course gives an introduction to the Scandinavian/Norwegian welfare state focusing on family policies, gender equality and family change. Theoretically, the course is informed by gender perspectives on the welfare state and on families/personal relationships. Among the questions addressed are: What typifies the Scandinavian/Norwegian welfare state approach to family, gender and work?

What are the links between gender roles, family policy, paid and unpaid work, family formation, fertility and union dissolution?

To what extent are family forms and practices characterized by change and diversity, in particular in relation to gender and social inequality? How can personal relationships in families be conceptualized and studied from a gender equality perspective in a Scandinavian/Norwegian context?

The course examines a wide range of family policies (e.g. parental leave, daddy quotas, publicly subsidised childcare services, cash for care benefits). The course literature highlights the Scandinavian/Norwegian experience through analyses of comparative statistical data and national case studies, and by contrasting the Scandinavian experience with that of other European countries.

This course is intended for both Norwegian and international students.

Learning outcome

Knowledge

You shall:

• Obtain knowledge about main changes in gender roles and family behavior
• Obtain knowledge about main features of Scandinavian/Norwegian family policies
• Acquire understanding of the importance of institutional contexts for changes in family and gender relations