The life course cube: A tool for studying lives

TitreThe life course cube: A tool for studying lives
Type de publicationJournal Article
Year of Publication2019
AuteursBernardi, L, Huinink, J, Settersten, RA
JournalTheoretical and Methodological Frontiers in Life Course Research
Volume41
Pagination100258
Date Publishedsep
ISSN1040-2608
Mots-clésBehavioral processes, life course, Life domains, Modeling, Multilevel, theory, Time interdependencies
Résumé

This paper proposes a conceptualization of the life course as a set of behavioral processes characterized by interdependencies that cross time, life domains, and levels of analysis. We first discuss the need for a systematized approach to life course theory that integrates parallel and partially redundant concepts developed in a variety of disciplines. We then introduce the ‘life course cube,’ which graphically defines and illustrates time-domain-level interdependencies and their multiple interactions that are central to understanding life courses. Finally, in an appendix, we offer a formal account of these interactions in a language that can be readily adopted across disciplines. Our aim is to provide a consistent and parsimonious foundation to further develop life course theories and methods and integrate life course scholarship across disciplines.

URLhttp://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1040260818301850
DOI10.1016/j.alcr.2018.11.004