Recently, a growing contingent of "evolutionary sociologists" has begun to integrate theoretical ideas and empirical findings derived from evolutionary biology, especially sociobiology, into a variety of sociological inquiries. Without capitulating to a naive version of either biological reductionism or genetic determinism, these researchers and…

Presents the advantages of structuring a course on gender around the classical and contemporary sociological theories from which feminist theories are derived. Contrasts this approach against the more prevalent research-based approach. Provides suggestions on selecting and using theory and presents practical considerations in teaching such a…

Describes course philosophy, goals, methods, and instructional resources used in the sociology of sex roles course at Colorado State University. (JDH)

Presents a 25-minute in-class exercise designed to open students' minds to more subtle insights into the pervasive social processes that keep women out of many occupations and restrict their earnings. Provides a copy of the required handout and suggests follow-up discussion topics. (JDH)

The female students taking women's studies courses today are different from those in the early 1970s. Many are unconsciously male-identified--fully buying into predominant male viewpoints--and thus fail to recognize the connections which exist between the general conditions restricting the opportunities and welfare of women and their own…

Describes an in-class activity which demonstrates how sexual status is inferred based on observable gender-role characteristics. This shows the way in which our culture, and not biology, shapes gender roles and their meanings. Provides background on the course and the interactionist theoretical perspective used to analyze this sociological…