The Life Course: A Sociological Perspective

The life course perspective in sociology explores how a person's life develops through different stages—childhood, adulthood, and old age—shaped by timing, social roles, and life events. It emphasizes that individual life trajectories are influenced by societal factors like culture, economic conditions, and historical context. This approach helps us understand how experiences, opportunities, and choices evolve over time, affecting personal development and identity. It highlights that life is a journey influenced by both personal decisions and social influences, recognizing that people’s lives are interconnected with broader social patterns and changes.