Full Citation

Title: Institutionalization of Life Course Studies

Citation Type: Book, Section

Publication Year: 2016

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Abstract: Life course study relies for its empirical basis on the longitudinal surveys that supply the means of charting the development of individuals through their lives. Understanding the institutionalisation of life course study is thus inextricably linked with uncovering the reasons for the development of longitudinal inquiry. The chapter starts with the origins of the concept of ‘life course’ then moves to a brief historical overview of first the early (pre-war) longitudinal studies, then the substantial expansion of studies (post war), and finally the post-millennium contemporary studies, attracting major public investment to build longitudinal “research resources.” The reasons for the expansion are sought in the three areas of technological, methodological, and theoretical change. A discussion of the consolidation and then institutionalisation of the field of study follows leading to an examination of the origins of first the Journal and then the Society for Longitudinal and Life Course Studies. Future prospects are finally considered together with such major challenges as sample attrition, data protection, and the development of longitudinal inquiry to meet contemporary circumstances and needs.

Url: https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-319-20880-0_2

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Authors: Bynner, John

Editors: Shanahan, Michael J.; Mortimer, Jeylan T.; Johnson, Monica Kirkpatrick

Pages: 27-58

Volume Title: Handbook of the Life Course

Publisher: Springer

Publisher Location: Cham

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Data Collections: IPUMS USA

Topics: Education, Health, Other

Countries: United States