Revised 5/2025

SOC 225 - Sociology of Gender (3 CR.)

Course Description

Analyzes influence of major social institutions and socialization in shaping and changing sex roles in contemporary society. Examines differential access to positions of public power and authority for men and women. Lecture 3 hours. Total 3 hours per week; 3 credits.

General Course Purpose

To provide students with an understanding of how one of the most basic aspects of personal identity— gender—is socially and culturally shaped. To increase students' understanding of social dynamics by examining social life through the lens of gender. To provide students with empirical knowledge about the ways in which men and women experience social life in contemporary society. To encourage students to examine their experience of gender roles and feel empowered to alter these if they choose to do so.

Course Prerequisites/Corequisites

Prerequisite: Ability to read in English at the college level.

Course Objectives

• Distinguish between sex and gender
• Recognize and discuss ways in which the major social institutions are gendered
• Cite connections between race, gender and class
• Analyze personal experience of gender using sociological concepts
• Understand how their personal social experience may differ from that of others who are of a different class, gender or race

Major Topics to Be Included

• The difference between sex and gender
• Gender socialization
• Gender and the major social institutions, such as education, media, family, economy, justice, politics, military, religion, and health
• The relationship between gender, race, and class

Optional Topics

• Gender in different cultures
• Biological differences between men and women, the experience of lesbian and transgendered individuals