Course Details

1. Analyse the content of the traditional and contemporary theories of the family. Evaluate the research trends related to the operation, needs and social existence of the family. Understand the functions and structures of the family at present.
2. Implement knowledge related to the main reactions within families today and evaluate the basic elements and issues faced by the average Cypriot and Greek family.
3. Understand the social and demographic point’s aspects of the marriage, the main psychosocial and financial issues faced by the contemporary couples. Overview of the main problems faced by the average Cyprus family and families living in the E.U. Countries.
4. Evaluate the subsystems of the functions of the contemporary family and select research methods to highlight matters of the family of the present times.
5. Implement elements of the theory of the family, be aware of the functions of the family and understand new possible family structures.

The family and changes of the 20^th century:  The social and economic changes of the 20^th century and their influence to the functions of the contemporary family, in relation to those of the traditional one. The contemporary family and changes identified due to the forces of internationalisation. The changes in the labour market, those of technology and reproduction techniques, the problems encountered by our society due to  life expectancy as well as the influence of mass media. The main changes due to the individualistic way of life, the fluidity of the contemporary family, and the changes taking place at present in E.U. countries.

The family as a social structure: The main functions of the family, the educational, financial, psychological and that of the family welfare. The systems of values of individuals and groups and the evaluation of the changing role of women, men, children, parents and those of the elders in today’s family and society. The basic concepts, theories and policies for the family in Cyprus and other E.U. countries. Forces that maintain the existence of the contemporary family as a social structure.

The family as a way of organising individual’s life: The fluidity of the organisation of the private life and the variety of the changes of family structures. The elements of the changes of relations and the family environment. The main concepts and theories related to the creation and maintenance of the crisis in the family. Ways of organising the private life and the rapid changes of the roles of women in the family and society. The variety of demands by children from the contemporary family.

Theories related to the family: The basic elements related to family sociology, the “end” of the great theories, and an analysis of the three periods of the development of the Sociology of the family. The theoretical issues that interest social scientists and or those that study the family as a system, mainly that of the formation of a framework explaining the development of the theory of the family.

The “crisis” and contemporary families: The factors referred to as constituent parts  of the “ Crisis” of the contemporary family, such as: the degreasing marriage rate, the increasing divorce rate, fertility, the shrinking family group, one parent families, and the changes of the structure of the family. Elements-phenomena of the family crisis such as, family and work, changes of the female roles, one-parent families, and the personality crisis of the contemporary individual.  

Family policy in European countries:  Aspects of the family policy in Europe, in Greece and Cyprus. Policy measures related to the protection of the marriage, motherhood, families with many children, and the reconciliation of the family and work. Services supporting family ties, relations and divorce.  Mechanisms of the protection of children and teenagers exposed to social risks and the financial support of the family. Main issues related to the contemporary family: what kind of family are we able to support and enjoy, what can the welfare state offer to the family, who pays and where does care come from to the family members? The aims and objectives of today’s welfare state.

• Mousourou, L. (2005)The Family & Family Policy, Athens: Gutenberg
• Papadioti-Athanasiou, B. (2014) Family and limits, Athens: Topos
• Soulis, S. (2015) Applied Social Policy, Athens: Papazisis
• Dehaux, J, H. (2008) Family Sociology, Athens: Polytropon

• Kotsapashi, A. (2011) Equality of the two sexes and autonomy of the Family relations, Athens: Sakkoulas
• Maratou-Alipranti, L. (2002) Family and the state in the new millennium, Athens: Gutenberg
• Nova, Χ. (2000) Sociology of marriage and the family, Athens: Gutenberg
• Simeonides, X. & Madgalinos, Μ. (2007) Policies for the family in the EU countries, Athens: Sakkoulas
• Tantaros, S. (2011) Human development and the family, Athens: Pedio
• Chambers, D. (2013) A Sociology of Family Life, Polity: UK

The major teaching methods to be implemented are the following: a).Direct dialogue: the lecturer, by using carefully selected and formulated questions, leads students towards a specific topic of knowledge. b).Brain storming: the topic to be studied is presented to students and then they are requested to express freely their ideas and thoughts related to the specific topic. c). Group work: students are divided in groups, with the aim to exchange ideas and experiences related to a specific subject that they are studying. d).Role play: the scenario related to situations, at the professional or social level is presented to students. Students play roles, like actors, which aim to understand better the situation that is presented in the scenario.