Sociology of Body

Examination of body as social construction that is situated within particular social and historical context. Students gain understanding of how bodies become gendered, raced, classed, and sexualized in ways that create and reinforce social institutions and relations of power. Analysis of reciprocal processes of structuration: how body is shaped by social expectations and symbolic exchange, how meanings are attached to bodies and different body parts, and how these interpretations in turn shape social relations. Critical evaluation of embodiment experience, and contribution of sociological theories and data to understanding this process.

P/NP or letter grading.