Dramatic social transformation in Western society over recent decades has had a profound impact on the way the life course is studied. While people continue to experience the implications of class, gender, ethnicity and, of course, age, they are more than ever able to take personal control of their own lives. The Life Course considers how, in a diverse and uncertain world, the previously predictable stages of life are no longer fixed but increasingly open to change.
Focusing on continuities and change, this book looks not only at the different 'phases of life', but also at the transformation of a number of closely related social institutions such as the family, education and the workplace. Recognising that the established cradle-to-grave view is now outdated, the trajectory from infancy and youth to later and end-of-life is followed not as a stable object of study, but as a starting point for critical analysis.
This second edition offers an essential overview of the sociology of the life course, incorporating both contemporary and conventional perspectives. It calls upon current theorising around the life course as well as on up-to-date empirical research data. This thought-provoking text is relevant to researchers and students of life course studies and sociology, as well as to those in nursing, social work and related caring professions.
A far-reaching but accessible sociological account of the life course, and how it can be used to conceptualise key issues for social scientists, health and social workers. Now extensively updated in a new second edition, the text takes on the most recent and globally relevant debates and theoretical perspectives in the field.
Core subject that is popular with students
Takes a multidisciplinary approach will appeal to students from different disciplines
New edition is extensively updated to reflect the most recent and relevant developments
More coverage of globally relevant topics will boost the text's international appeal
Stephen J. Hunt
childhood Nation social work sociology youth Life course