The Life Course Approach in Sociology

The Life Course Approach in sociology views a person’s life as a continuous journey shaped by social, historical, and personal factors. It emphasizes how early experiences, age, and life stages influence individual development, behaviors, and opportunities over time. This approach considers how events like education, work, relationships, and health are interconnected and how transitions—such as starting a career or retiring—impact a person’s life. Overall, it highlights that understanding someone’s current situation involves looking at their entire life story and the broader social context.