Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2026 - LBST 305 OL01

Gendering Economy: Paid and Unpaid Labour (4)

Class Number: 2899

Delivery Method: Online

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Online

  • Instructor:

    Jeannie Morgan
    jeannie_morgan@sfu.ca
    Office Hours: Wednesdays, 9:00 to 10:00 a.m., via Zoom; appointments at other times may also be arranged

  • Prerequisites:

    30 units including LBST 100 or three units in GSWS or WS or GDST.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Takes a broad approach to gender, placing it dialogue with race and ethnicity, class, nation, and space, to think through the complex dynamic between gender and labour from a variety of perspectives. Explores workers’ lived experiences of gender regimes while critically examining how gender ‘matters’ within the workplace. Students with credit for GSWS 305 (or GSWS 308) may not take this course for further credit. Students with credit for LBST 331 under the title Gender - Paid and Unpaid may not take this course for further credit.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course offers a comprehensive exploration of the intersection between gender and labor, emphasizing the multifaceted experiences of women in the workforce. By situating gender within broader contexts of race, ethnicity, class, nation, and space, students will gain a nuanced understanding of how these dimensions interact to shape labor dynamics. Through critical examination of gender regimes and their impact on both paid and unpaid work, students will develop the skills to identify and challenge inequalities in the workplace. The course encourages the application of theoretical knowledge to real-world issues, fostering critical thinking and informed action towards achieving gender equity in labor practices.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

On successful completion of this course students will be able to:
1. Understand the Categorization and Social Construction of Sex and Gender: Analyze how these constructs impact women’s work opportunities and experiences.
2. Apply Critical Theories: Study and apply critical theories to aspects of women’s work experiences, such as the gender pay gap, sex segregation, and gender discrimination.
3. Evaluate the Impact of Gender on Work: Understand the impact of gender on both paid work and unpaid work within families, examining how traditional gender roles influence labor distribution.
4. Identify Mechanisms of Inequality: Identify and critically analyze mechanisms of inequality, discrimination, segregation, oppression, and resistance concerning women’s work.
5. Explore Intersectionality: Gain a comprehensive understanding of how intersectionality affects the social organization of work, focusing on how gendered work is also racialized and classed.
6. Apply Theoretical Understandings: Use theoretical frameworks to explain contemporary work issues and propose informed solutions to gender-related workplace challenges.
7. Analyze Policy and Practice: Investigate policies and practices that impact women in the workforce, considering both historical contexts and contemporary developments.
8. Develop Critical Thinking Skills: Enhance critical thinking and analytical skills through the examination of case studies and real-world examples of gendered labor dynamics.

Grading

  • Mini-Quizzes 20%
  • Short Reflective Papers 20%
  • Short Module Learning Activities 20%
  • Discussion Board Participation (Lead Discussant (10%), Short reflections (5 x 2%)) 20%
  • Open Book Final Exam 20%

NOTES:

Grading: Where a final exam is scheduled and the student does not write the exam or withdraw from the course before the deadline date, an N grade will be assigned. Unless otherwise specified on the course syllabus, all graded assignments for this course must be completed for a final grade other than N to be assigned. An N is considered as an F for the purposes of scholastic standing.

Grading System: The Undergraduate Course Grading System is as follows:

A+ (95-100) | A (90-94) | A- (85-89) | B+ (80-84) | B (75-79) | B- (70-74) | C+ (65-69) | C (60-64) | C- (55-59) | D (50-54) | F (0-49) | N*
*N standing to indicate the student did not complete course requirements

Academic Honesty and Student Conduct Policies: The Labour Studies Program follows SFU policy in relation to grading practices, grade appeals (Policy T 20.01) and academic honesty and student conduct procedures (S10.01‐S10.04). Unless otherwise informed by your instructor in writing, in graded written assignments you must cite the sources you rely on and include a bibliography/list of references, following an instructor-approved citation style.  It is the responsibility of students to inform themselves of the content of SFU policies available on the SFU website.

Centre for Accessible Learning: Students with hidden or visible disabilities who believe they may need classroom or exam accommodations are encouraged to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (1250 Maggie Benston Centre) as soon as possible to ensure that they are eligible and that approved accommodations and services are implemented in a timely fashion.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

- Nichols, L. (2019). Working Women in Canada: An Intersectional Approach. Women's Press,Canadian Scholars Press. (https://sfuprimo.
hosted.exlibrisgroup.com/permalink/f/usv8m3/01SFUL_ALMA51442977040003611)

- There is not required textbook for this course. All readings will be made available on Canvas and through the SFU Library.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.