Sex, Work and Reproduction (609L5)
Sex, Work and Reproduction
Module 609L5
Module details for 2023/24.
30 credits
FHEQ Level 7 (Masters)
Module Outline
This module aims to sociologically explore the links between sex, work and reproduction in contemporary society. While ‘work’ is often seen as a separate (public) sphere from reproduction (private), this module insists on integrating the two. Taking its cues from feminist and social reproduction theory, the module invites students to interrogate the complex network of social processes and human relations that produce the ‘need’ for work, the conditions of sex, and ‘desirable’ reproduction.
At its heart, the module is particularly interested in theorising how gender, race and class are intertwined with these processes. While Marxist theory has traditionally had a monopoly on questions of work and social reproduction, the module takes a more eclectic approach, and asks whether Marxist theory adequately accounts for gender and race oppression as structurally relational to and shaped by capitalism, rather than simply on the margins of analysis or add-ons to class-based analysis.
Themes that will be explored include sex work, desire and dating, abortion, domestic labour, trans pregnancy, queering parenting, and intimate violence. What ties these themes together is an interest in exploring the mental, physical and emotional work involved in the maintenance of life under capitalism.
While drawing primarily upon social theory, the module takes an interdisciplinary approach and is intended to appeal to a wide range of students from across the humanities and social sciences, including sociology, criminology, politics, philosophy, psychology, media and film, and English literature.
Module learning outcomes
Assess and critically evaluate the interplay between sex, work and reproduction
Demonstrate an advanced understanding of social theory in relation to sex, work and reproduction
Systematically evaluate and critique existing theoretical and empirical work on sex, work and reproduction
Synthesise ideas and develop original arguments in relation to the module’s key themes
| Type | Timing | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Essay (6000 words) | Semester 2 Assessment Week 2 Tue 16:00 | 100.00% |
Timing
Submission deadlines may vary for different types of assignment/groups of students.
Weighting
Coursework components (if listed) total 100% of the overall coursework weighting value.
| Term | Method | Duration | Week pattern |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring Semester | Workshop | 3 hours | 11111111111 |
How to read the week pattern
The numbers indicate the weeks of the term and how many events take place each week.
Dr Gillian Love
Convenor, Assess convenor
/profiles/296410
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