Sociology of Reproduction

Catalog description

This course is an introduction to the Sociology of Human Reproduction. We frequently think about reproduction as a natural/biological event, but like other aspects of human life, it is socially constructed: shaped by and experienced in and through various social practices. We will cover topics ranging from childbirth to breastfeeding, contraception to childlessness, and even little-known issues such as man" -opause (i.e.,male menopause). Much of the social science work on human reproduction comes from either demographic or feminist traditions so course readings reflect this dual genealogy.