SOC 395G • 3-GENDER AND FAMILY
This course examines gender and relationships from social psychological perspectives. We consider how and why intimate relationships differ for men and women as well as the gendered consequences of relationships for mental and physical health. We consider the evidence for (and against) gender differences in relationship orientations, relationship experiences (e.g., stress, intimacy, support), and relationship consequences (e.g., health and well-being). Special topics include: cultural definitions of intimacy, the costs and benefits of marriage for men and women, cohabiting ties, divorce and widowhood, sexuality in relationships, gay and lesbian unions, single lifestyles, conflict and violence in intimate relationships, and how intimate relationships change over the life course. A unique aspect of this course is access to data from two in-depth interview projects on gender and relationships. See the section on "access to data" for more information.