Starting from the international interdisciplinary literature on gender studies, the course will focus on some of the key issues of gender and sexuality studies highlighting the sociological point of view.
The course will be divided into three modules:
1. the social construction of gender and the implications on social change: gender and sexual differences; sexualized bodies; gender relations; gender socialization; gender politics and medicalization of the bodies (lesson from intersex issue);
2. sexualization and society: sexuality and sociological theories; cultural construction of sexual meanings; process of socialization and sexuality; cultures of sexuality and the building of normality and deviance.
3. forms of violence and discrimination in relation to gender and sexual orientation: feminicide, homophobia and transphobia.
In the first part of the course some theoretical approaches to the "social construction of the gender" will be presented through the results of some researches on gender identities in contemporary society with particular attention to hybrid identities.
Gender equality and gender politics will also be presented during the lessons with a focus on gender pay gap, the work segregation, and the glass ceiling.
Within the subject of sexuality, some key points will be presented about the relationship between sexuality, bodies, sexual identities and the influence of culture on sexuality. These issues will be addressed through the analysis of classical and contemporary sociological literature.
The third module of the class will focus on the forms of violence and discrimination targeting sexual orientation and gender stereotypes (homophobic and transphobic attitudes, violence and gender stereotypes).