Learning objectives
The course aims at fostering the learning of analytical models for the understanding of different types of family functioning, based on the following methodological principles: plurality, complexity and multi-processuality.
Prerequisites
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Course unit content
Is it appropriate talking of "crisis of the family" or should we talk instead of different ways of "being family"? The contemporary western societies are characterized by the presence of many different types of families in which the parental couple may not coincide with the marital couple, the spacial borders with the affective borders, the gender roles with the family roles. The relational processes connected to such discontinuities will constitute the main object of study. The course will be divided in two parts: Theoretical models for the study of families relationship and processes; the multiplicity of families diversities.
Full programme
The course will adress the following issues:
a) Theories and models for the study of families relationships and processes.
1) The analysis of families dynamics: from the mono-dimensional models to the multi-dimensional, socio-cultural and narrative ones.
2) The families developmental processes: from the family life cycle to the everyday micro-transitions.
3) Methods in family studies.
b) Families diversity
1) The multiplicity of family forms: from singular (single, divorce, widowhood) to plural (step-families), same-sex couples and parents, intercultural families.
2) Different forms of parenthood
3) Families as communities: foster houses, co-housing, eco-villages.
Bibliography
Fruggeri, L. (1998). Famiglie. Dinamiche interpersonali e processi psico-sociali. Roma, Carocci. (1st part)
Fruggeri, L. (2005). Diverse normalità. Psicologia sociale delle relazioni familiari. Roma, Carocci.
Fruggeri, L. (2009) (a cura di). Osservare le famiglie. Metodi e tecniche. Roma, Carocci.
Everri M. (2007) (a cura di). Transizioni familiari. Lo studio dei processi evolutivi delle famiglie. Dispensa scaricabile dal sito: http://lea.unipr.it
Further bibliographical references (also in English) will be suggested during classes
Teaching methods
The course will include frontal lessons, group work, vision and analysis of videos, seminars with experts doing research and working with families in different contexts.
Assessment methods and criteria
Oral exam
Other information
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