Family, gender and reproductive rights are central to contemporary American politics and religion. Debates over abortion, gay marriage and even contraception have become extremely potent as the next President will likely re-form the Supreme Court for many years to come. “Quiverful” families homeschool and evangelicals insist upon older gender roles. Fatherhood has received attention also, especially with the rise of purity balls, pledges and rings. New technologies extend possibilities. Gay marriage further redefines the family, changing the framework for the raising of children further.
The course will examine various interpretations of the ways in which reproduction intersects with gender ideologies, sexuality, professional identities, politics, and foreign policy. The readings are also chosen to provide a wide variety of source types and methods for conducting research on gender and the family. Some of these include: Social Movement Organization Theory, archival research, legal cases, oral histories, quantitative analysis, popular magazines, letters, advice manuals, interviews, and surveys.