Family Knowledge 2300-MS2-DRŚ-WOR1
The course addresses an interdisciplinary perspective on phenomena related to family life, its transformations, diversity, and contemporary challenges. Throughout the course, students will analyze core concepts and definitions of the family, taking into account definitional difficulties and the variety of theoretical approaches.
Key functions of the family will be discussed, along with their historical and cultural transformations. The course will examine various forms of family life present in contemporary societies, including nuclear families, multigenerational families, blended families, single-parent families, patchwork families, informal unions, and same-sex partnerships. Issues faced by modern families—such as domestic violence, poverty, intergenerational conflict, the breakdown of family ties, and difficulties in balancing work and family life—will also be addressed.
Students will engage in a debate on the notion of a "crisis of the family"—whether it is undergoing disintegration or adapting to changing social conditions. The course will explore the specific characteristics of the contemporary Polish family in the context of demographic and socio-cultural transformations, based on empirical data and sociological research.
An important aspect of the course will be reflection on gender roles within the family, including the division of responsibilities, societal expectations toward women and men, and changing models of motherhood and fatherhood. New lifestyles and emerging family phenomena will also be analyzed.
Type of course
Mode
Course coordinators
Learning outcomes
Knowledge:
- has structured knowledge of contemporary family life in Poland, taking into account its socio-cultural transformations as well as historical and economic contexts;
- is familiar with various definitions of the family and aware of the definitional challenges and the diversity of theoretical approaches to this concept
- possesses knowledge of the historical and cultural variability of family forms and their contemporary diversity;
understands the nature and implications of new phenomena in family life, such as the pluralization of family models, the redefinition of gender roles, and alternative lifestyles.
Skills:
- can identify, describe, and analyze diverse contemporary forms of the family and the changes in their structure and functions;
- can interpret changes in family life within the broader context of social, cultural, and economic transformations;
- can formulate research questions and critically analyze social phenomena using different theoretical perspectives;
- can use basic academic terminology related to the family and family life.
Competences:
- demonstrates openness and sensitivity to the diversity of family forms and an awareness of the dynamic nature of changes in this area;
- shows empathy and respect for different family experiences and reflects critically on norms and stereotypes related to the family;
- is ready to further deepen their knowledge and engage in critical reflection on the role of the family in the life of the individual and society.
Bibliography
Beck U., Beck-Gernsheim E. (2013), Miłość na odległość. Modele życia w epoce globalnej, Wydawnictwo Naukowe PWN, Warszawa.
Burszta W. J. (2012), Czas spowolniony – rodzina – rytuał codzienny, „Przegląd
Powszechny”, nr 10, s. 125-133.
Cooper D. (1978), Zmierzch rodziny [w:] K. Jankowski (red.), „Przełom w
psychologii”, Wydawnictwo Czytelnik, Warszawa.
Fuszara M. (2008), Nowi mężczyźni? Zmieniające się modele męskości we współczesnej Polsce, Wydawnictwo Trio, Warszawa.
Giza-Poleszczuk A. (2004), W poszukiwaniu „nowego przymierza” – wzajemne oczekiwania mężczyzn i kobiet w Polsce [w:] M. Marody (red.) Zmiana czy stagnacja?, Wydawnictwo Scholar, Warszawa.
Hryciuk R., Korolczuk E. (red.) (2012), Pożegnanie z Matką Polką? Dyskursy, praktyki i reprezentacje macierzyństwa we współczesnej Polsce, Wydawnictwa Uniwersytetu Warszawskiego, Warszawa.
Łaciak B. (red.) (2013), Dzieciństwo we współczesnej Polsce. Charakter przemian, Wydawnictwo Akademickie Żak, Warszawa.
Nowicka E. (2006), Świat człowieka - świat kultury, Wydawnictwo Naukowe PWN, Warszawa.
Slany K. (2002), Definicje pojęć „małżeństwo” i „rodzina” w obliczu pojawienia się alternatywnych form życia małżeńsko-rodzinnego, „Małżeństwo i rodzina”. nr 4.
Stanisz A. (2013), Rodzina made in Poland. Antropologia pokrewieństwa i życia rodzinnego, Wydawnictwo Nauka i Innowacje, Poznań.
Szacka B. (2008), Wprowadzenie do socjologii (rozdział XVI), Oficyna Naukowa, Warszawa.
Szlendak T. (2011), Socjologia rodziny. Ewolucja, historia, zróżnicowanie, Wydawnictwo Naukowe PWN, Warszawa.
Additional information
Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system: