Sociology 304

Issues in Modern Sociological Theory

Winter 1997

First Paper - Due February 4, 1997

The paper is to be approximately five double-spaced pages in length. If you consult sources other than Folbre, make sure that they are properly referenced. If all the references are to Folbre, just make sure that you mention the page numbers for specific references or quotes.

Topic

The topic is to write a paper on some part of the historical experiences discussed in the last half of Folbre, Who Pays for the Kids. The paper should show how some of the feminist approach developed by Folbre (see p. 49 for a summary of this approach) can help explain and interpret the historical experiences. Also critique the approach of Folbre where you find it inadequate.

As examples, the paper could:

• Discuss the development of social welfare policy in one of the regions.
• Compare the factors associated with the decline of fertility in two of the regions.
• Examine how feminist movements have affected the status of women in one or more of the regions.

Folbre does not mention Canada in her book. If you are more ambitious, you could use Folbre's approach to write a paper on the historical experiences in Canada.

Back to Sociology 304 home page.