In this course, we explore men's and women's roles as productive and reproductive laborers, historically and contemporarily. Our goal is to understand the dynamisms -i.e., the creation, reinforcement and challengeof gender (in)equality in and outside of the home. The salience of other "axes of difference" (e.g., class, race, ethnicity) are also considered as critical factors in shaping the variable work experiences of men and women. Towards these ends, we will examine a wide array of empirical material and theoretical debates with a focus principally upon North American societies regarding: domestic labor; emotional labor; the relationship(s) between gender, organizations and bureaucracy; sexual harassment; gender-based segregation and stratification; and finally, work-family policy.
Course Materials
! CoursepackThe coursepack (prepared by Eastman Systems, Inc.) is available at the McGill University bookstore. A copy of the coursepack is also on reserve in the McLennan-Redpath library.Additionally, I will be utilizing WebCT Vista to make available handouts, exam review sheets, etc…, so please check the course site on a regular basis.
Course Organization and Requirements
Class format:Lectures not only cover material from the readings, but also material which is not in the readings. So, while attendance is not mandatory, it is in your interest to attend lecture. Additionally, in order to be best prepared, you should do the readings as scheduled (see the "course schedule" below). This will enable you to better follow my lectures and to most effectively synthesize lecture and reading materials.CONFERENCES: On Fridays conferences will be held. No sign up is necessary. You must attend six conferences in order to receive credit (i.e., 5% of your final grade). Should you attend any less than six you will receive no credit.Note: On the Friday following the midterm, no conference will be held. Also, on Friday, April 10 th no conference will be held due to the Easter holiday; however, a substitute conference will be held on Tuesday, April 14 th .
ReadingThese are the kinds of questions you should be thinking about as you are doing your reading for this course in order to best mentally process the materials: