This course will explore sociological approaches to the household and family life in Britain since 1945. Topics covered will include definitions of the family, changing family types and the causes of change in household relationships. The link between the family, identity formation and cultural reproduction will also be examined. We will then evaluate how sociologists have studied family life and the theoretical models they have developed to explain the purpose of the family in modern Britain. The course will finish by examining how social policy has been used in government efforts to shape aspects of modern family life and achieve wider social policy objectives.