The University of Texas at Austin, Department of Sociology
Day 2 Specialization exam in FAMILY AND ADULT HEALTH
Please answer one question out of each of the following three sets. Number your
answers (e.g. A1).
A. Answer one question of the following 2
1. Work, Family, and Health: Since women’s massive entry into the labor force in the
1970s, women’s employment and work-family balance have been at the forefront of
national attention. This question focuses on women’s health at the intersection of work
and family life. Summarize recent evidence documenting the relationship between
women’s employment and their physical and mental health, including how the effects of
work-family balance on women’s health have changed over time since early 1970s.
Briefly discuss whether and how researchers have addressed the issue of causality in the
potentially reciprocal effects of employment and health. Describe some mechanisms
through which work-family conflict can affect health, paying particular attention to
chronic stress and the “work as haven” hypothesis. In conclusion, briefly outline possible
programs/policies that can alleviate work-family conflict and mitigate its health risks.
2. Gender, Marriage, & Health: There is a popular assumption that marriage benefits
the health of men more than women. Review empirical studies to provide evidence for
and against this claim. In your response, identify how men and women differ, and are
similar, in terms of the processes through which marriage affects health. Discuss
possible life course variation in the benefits of marriage for men’s and women’s health
as well as the possibility of historical change (over the past several decades) in gendered
patterns of marital status and health. Identify important gaps in knowledge and suggest
how future research can best extend our understanding of gender, marital status, and
health linkages.
B. Answer one question of the following 2
1. Family Caregiving, Gender, and Health: Given an unprecedented increase in life
expectancy and a shift to chronic diseases as major causes of death, many older adults
experience a protracted period of chronic health problems and limitations, sometimes
lasting for years and even decades. It is important to understand how caregiving affects
health of informal caregivers – those bearing the brunt of day-to-day care for the aging
population. Most caregiving to older adult occurs in the families, with spouses and adult
children being the main sources of care. How does providing care to an older family
member with chronic illness or disability affect physical health, mental health, and
marital quality of caregivers? How does combining employment and family caregiving
affect women’s health? Finally, whether and how do the health implications of
caregiving differ by gender and race of a caregiver?
2. Marriage & Health: That the married are healthier than all other marital groups is
now a decades-old “social fact.” However, recent studies paint a more nuanced picture
of the relationship between marriage and health, with attention to issues such as
marital quality, life-long marital biographies, and changes in the health status of other
marital groups. Describe the current state of the evidence for marital status differences
in health. In your essay, answer the question: are the married in better health than the
unmarried?
C. Answer 1 question of the following 2
1. Same-Sex Marriage: Traditionally, researchers have compared men and women in
cohabiting and married heterosexual unions when studying the impact of intimate
relationships on health and well-being. But recent work has included gay and lesbian
unions as well. Describe what is known about the link of gay and lesbian relationships to
health. In your response, discuss theoretical reasons that different union types (gay,
lesbian, and heterosexual) might result in similar or different consequences for the
health of men and women. Conclude with recommendations for future data and
research on same-sex unions.
2. Cohabitation and Health: What do we know about the relationship between
cohabitation and health and how it varies across the life course and/or by other
sociodemographic characteristics? What theories help to explain health differentials
between married and single adults relative to cohabitors?