Advanced topics in social dynamics Family Demography Gøsta Esping-Andersen Bocconi 2020-21 Session 1(9.03.2021): Theoretical perspectives in the study of the family In this session we will focus on key theories within family research, from both economics and sociology. Required readings: Becker, G (1973). ‘A theory of marriage. Part 1’. Journal of Political Economy, 81: 4: 813-46 Lesthaeghe, R. (2010).‘The unfolding story of the second demographic transition’. Population and Development Review, 36(2), 211-251. Recommended readings: Esping-Andersen, G and Billari, F. 2015 ‘Retheorizing family demographic change’. Population and Development Review, 41: 1-31 McDonald, P 2013 ‘Societal foundations for explaining fertility’. Demographic Research, 28: 981-994 Lundberg, Shelly and Pollack, Robert. 2007. "The American Family and Family Economics." Journal of Economic Perspectives 21(2): 3-26. Oppenheimer, Valerie Kincade. 1988. "A Theory of Marriage Timing." American Journal of Sociology 94(3): 563-91. Session 2 (10.03). Trends in gender roles, family behavior and structure Required readings: Esping-Andersen, G 2016 Families in the 21st Century. Chapter 1: ‘The return of the family’ (this book can be downloaded gratis from SNS’ website (
[email protected]) Goldin, M 2006. "The Quiet Revolution That Transformed Women’s Employment, Education, and Family." American Economic Review 96(2): 1-21. Recommended readings: (for student presentation: minimally the Sevilla-Sanz article and the van Bavel et.al. paper) Van Bavel, J 2018 ‘The reversal of the gender gap in education and its consequences for family life’. Annual Review of Sociology, 44: 341-60 England, P. Et.al., 2020 ‘Progress toward gender equality in the United States has slowed or stalled’.