This course explores the changing nature of what it means to be a family from anthropological and cross-cultural perspectives. Topics of discussion include kinship, descent, marriage, our relationships to ancestors, gender and power relations, and the politics of kinship ties. In addition, the course considers the relevance of kinship to contemporary issues such as gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered families, the use of reproductive technologies, and international adoptions.
This course explores the changing nature of what it means to be a family from anthropological and cross-cultural perspectives. Topics of discussion include kinship, descent, marriage, our relationships to ancestors, gender and power relations, and the politics of kinship ties. In addition, the course considers the relevance of kinship to contemporary issues such as gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered families, the use of reproductive technologies, and international adoptions.
