GL/SOCI 3210 3.00

Sociology of Childhood, Adolescence and Youth

This course examines the ways in which sociologists study the process of coming of age, from childhood through adolescence to adulthood in a time when globalization is affecting the circumstances, experiences and life prospects of all. The focus of the course is upon the social determinants of growing up and transitioning into adulthood, as well as on the role of collective and individual agency. Students will explore current sociological perspectives in studying childhood, adolescence and youth. Students will examine ways in which social structure and culture, social constraints and individual agency/choice come to shape citizenship, education, work, and private life trajectories of youth into adulthood. They will discuss the major social issues faced by young people in Canada today, such as the changing nature of the transition to adulthood, and will examine more closely the transition from education to work. In addition, students will have the opportunity to become familiar with successful models of social policy for youth, developed in Europe and North America.