DSOC 4210 - [Theories of Reproduction]

(crosslisted) SOC 4210
(SBA) (D) (CU-SBY)

Spring. Next offered 2016-2017. 3 credits. Letter grades only.

A. Basu.

Examines the changing nature of the debate on what makes populations grow and what makes families have any, few, and many children. The course begins with theories of historical population growth and changing fertility and then moves on to consider the economic, social, cultural, political, and biological theories applied to fertility and changing fertility in contemporary populations. Demographic concepts and factors believed to account for the high fertility of many developing country populations and the extremely low fertility in many parts of the developed world are examined. Emphasis is given to “sociocultural” and “gender-based” explanations of reproductive behavior, which activist groups and organizations have used to push political and social agendas. The course pays particular attention to the role of the state in population growth and its place in women’s lives.

Outcome 1: Discuss debates centered around population growth.

Outcome 2: Discuss concepts and factors that influence fertility rates in developing and developed countries.

Outcome 3: Discuss how explanations of reproductive behavior can be used to push political and social agendas.