PSCI 208(F) The Politics of Family Policy

Since the 1950s the structure of the family in the United States has changed considerably. Fewer Americans live in two-parent families with children, and more live in single-person households. Mother-only families have increased as a percentage of all families. Fertility rates have dropped so that both single-parent and two-parent families have fewer children. Gay and lesbian couples have challenged laws that prevent them from forming families recognized by the states. In light of the changes in families over the last forty years, in this class we will address a series of questions about the formation and adoption of family policy in the United States. What family problems have been recognized as problems deserving government attention? When do personal concerns become public problems? What kinds of policies have been proposed, and why have others been ignored? Will policies help us to ameliorate these problems?
Requirements: several short papers, one research paper. No prerequisites. Open to first-year students with advanced placement credit in American Politics. American Politics Subfield

Hour: C. JOHNSON