What is a key feature of the life course perspective?

The life course perspective emphasizes the dynamic interplay between individuals and their societal contexts throughout different stages of life. This approach recognizes that individual development is influenced not only by personal experiences but also by social structures, historical events, and cultural norms. It highlights how experiences and choices at various points in time are interconnected and can affect a person's trajectory.

For example, the life course perspective acknowledges that major life events, like starting a family, job loss, or education, occur within a broader socio-historical context that shapes opportunities and challenges individuals face. This perspective is significant because it allows for a more comprehensive understanding of development by considering the timing of events, transitions, and the cumulative experiences that shape people's lives over time.