Socio 125 Sociology of the Family
Learning Objectives
Chapter 10: Reproduction: Decisions about Having or Not Having Children
After reading this chapter, you should be able to:
1. Identify and describe the four styles of family planning uncovered by Cowan and
Cowan (reactions to news of pregnancy. . .).
2. Explain the difference between involuntary childlessness and child-free marriages
and the impact each state might have on a couple.
3. Identify the social characteristics of women who choose to remain childfree?
4. Identify and describe the social factors that influence a couple’s decision to
become parents.
5. Identify and describe the various types of infertility treatments available to
couples wishing to become pregnant.
6. Analyze the potential ethical issues raised by assisted reproductive technologies.
7. For couples who choose to adopt, identify the unique stresses and problems they
face.
8. Describe the meaning of an open adoption.
From lecture, you should be able to:
1. Identify reasons for wanting to have children and evaluate those reasons in
relationship to the well-being of the child.
.
From the film, “Whose My Mommy?” you should be able to:
1. Explain infertility treatment options such as in vitro fertilization and surrogacy.
2. Analyze the case of the Buzzanca’s and identify social issues raised by their
decision to divorce before the birth of their child by surrogate.
From the research project you should be able to:
1. Analyze the impact of children on a couple’s relationship.