Life Course
The "Life Course" refers to the various stages and transitions individuals experience throughout their lives, from birth to old age. It encompasses significant events such as education, career development, family formation, and retirement. Researchers study the life course to understand how these experiences are influenced by social, economic, and cultural factors, as well as how they impact individual well-being.
This concept also emphasizes the importance of timing and context in shaping life experiences. For example, the age at which someone completes their education or starts a family can affect their future opportunities. Understanding the life course helps in analyzing patterns of behavior and social change over time, contributing to fields like sociology, psychology, and public health.