1. Changing patterns of family life – historical and demographical perspective
2. The theory of second demographic transition
3. Family implications of demographic trends, demographic change and family structure
4. Theories explaining the decrease in fertility rates: theories of individualization
5. Gender equity and the value of child in theories of fertility transitions
6. Gender roles and relationships in the family – changing patterns of intimate and partnership life
7. Family policies addressing populational ageing
8. (Re)constructing family relationships in contemporary society – perspectives of „doing“ family and family display
9. Growing diversity of family formations in contemporary society and its implication for intergenerational relationships
10. Repartnering through life-course: new relationships in later life
11. Caring relations in the family – critical approaches to care
12. Intergenerational relations – solidarity, theories of kinship support in family
A central theme of the course is the diversity in patterns of partnership and family life leading to the change of family size and structure in contemporary western societies. The first part of the course focus on the exploration of the demographic and social foundation of populational ageing, especially on the decline of fertility rates and changing family formations patterns.
It discusses the challenges of growing ageing population and their implications for the individual and family. Second part of the course examines intergenerational relationships.
Concepts of solidarity and care are critically discussed to explore the patterns of caregiving in ageing families. The course looks on how family relationship are reconstructed and organized, emphasizing people’s agency in the process of “doing” family.