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PL52169: The politics of gender inequality

[Page last updated: 16 August 2024]

Academic Year: 2024/25
Owning Department/School: Department of Politics, Languages and International Studies
Credits: 10 [equivalent to 20 CATS credits]
Notional Study Hours: 200
Level: Masters UG & PG (FHEQ level 7)
Period:
Semester 2
Assessment Summary: CWES 100%
Assessment Detail:
  • Coursework (CWES 30% - Qualifying Mark: 50)
  • Essay (CWES 70% - Qualifying Mark: 50)
Supplementary Assessment:
Like-for-like reassessment (where allowed by programme regulations)
Requisites:
Learning Outcomes: Upon completion of the unit, you will be able to:
  • demonstrate in-depth knowledge of relevant theories related to gender, politics, and society
  • critically review the current state of gender gaps in political life and other aspects of society
  • assess the efficacy (advantages and limitations) of various methods of closing these gender gaps
  • critically assess a range of theoretical assertions made by key gender scholars
  • develop your own perspective of what we know and don't know yet about the causes, consequences, and proposed solutions to gender inequality, and you will debate these with peers



Synopsis: Examine the causes and consequences of gender inequality in political life, the household, and the workforce. Drawing on interdisciplinary literature and cutting-edge research, youll critically analyse links between gender identity and multiple facets of social and political life, from career choices to care work within the family. You'll take an in-depth look at ongoing challenges for gender equality, paying special attention to promising policies and interventions to close gender gaps.

Content: The Unit first introduces definitions of gender and maps the evolution of gender norms and preferences over time. The Unit also introduces core theoretical debates associated with gendered inequalities in politics and society. The Unit then reviews patterns of gendered inequalities in participation and representation in politics, as well as the household and workforce, in comparative perspective.

Course availability:

PL52169 is a Must Pass Unit on the following courses:

Department of Politics, Languages and International Studies

PL52169 is Optional on the following courses:

Department of Politics, Languages and International Studies

Notes:

  • This unit catalogue is applicable for the 2024/25 academic year only. Students continuing their studies into 2025/26 and beyond should not assume that this unit will be available in future years in the format displayed here for 2024/25.
  • Courses and units are subject to change in accordance with normal University procedures.
  • Availability of units will be subject to constraints such as staff availability, minimum and maximum group sizes, and timetabling factors as well as a student's ability to meet any pre-requisite rules.
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