Life Course Theory

KEY CONCEPTS• “Social Process” Time

– Ontogenetic Time– Generational Time– Historical Time

• Positions In Families• Family Stages• Transitions• Stage-Critical Developmental Tasks

Example of Role Relations

Sex-Partner Role

Companion Role

WifeSex-Partner Role

Provider Role

WifeMother

Childcare Role

Companion Role

Sex-Partner Role

Provider Role

WifeMother

Childcare Role

Companion Role

Disciplinarian Role

Confidante Role

KEY CONCEPTS• “Social Process” Time

– Ontogenetic Time– Generational Time– Historical Time

• Positions In Families• Family Stages• Transitions• Stage-Critical Developmental Tasks

Stage I: Married CouplePOSITIONS IN THE FAMILY

WifeHusband

STAGE-CRITICAL DEVELOPMENTAL TASKS• Establishing a satisfying marriage

• Fitting into kin networks

Stage II: ChildbearingPOSITIONS IN THE FAMILY

Wife-MotherHusband-FatherDaughter-Sister

Son-Brother

STAGE-CRITICAL DEVELOPMENTAL TASKS• Adjusting to Pregnancy

• Having, adjusting to and encouraging the development of infants

• Establishing a satisfying home for parents & infants

Stage III: Preschool AgePOSITIONS IN THE FAMILY

Wife-MotherHusband-FatherDaughter-Sister

Son-Brother

STAGE-CRITICAL DEVELOPMENTAL TASKS• Adapting to need/interests of preschool children

• Coping with energy depletion and lack of privacy as parents

Stage IV: School AgePOSITIONS IN THE FAMILY

Wife-MotherHusband-FatherDaughter-Sister

Son-Brother

STAGE-CRITICAL DEVELOPMENTAL TASKS• Fitting into the community of school-age

families• Encouraging children’s educational

achievement

Stage V: TeenagePOSITIONS IN THE FAMILY

Wife-MotherHusband-FatherDaughter-Sister

Son-Brother

STAGE-CRITICAL DEVELOPMENTAL TASKS• Balancing freedom with responsibility as

teenagers mature• Establishing postparental interests and

“careers” as parents

Stage V-Break: Teenage ParentPOSITIONS IN THE FAMILY

Wife-Mother-GrandmotherHusband-Father-Grandfather

Daughter-Sister-MotherSon-Brother-Uncle

STAGE-CRITICAL DEVELOPMENTAL TASKS

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Stage V-Break: DivorcePOSITIONS IN THE FAMILY

Ex-Wife-MotherEx-Husband-Father

Daughter-SisterSon-Brother

Phases Of DivorceThe decision to divorce

Planning the system breakupSeparation

DivorceManaging Two Single-Parent Family Homes

Stage V-Break: DivorcePOSITIONS IN THE FAMILY

Ex-Wife-MotherEx-Husband-Father

Daughter-SisterSon-Brother

STAGE-CRITICAL DEVELOPMENTAL TASKS

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Stage V-Break: RemarriagePOSITIONS IN THE FAMILY

Ex-Wife-MotherEx-Husband-Father-Husband

Wife-StepmotherDaughter-Sister-Stepdaughter

Son-Brother-Stepson

?STAGE-CRITICAL DEVELOPMENTAL TASKS

Stage V: TeenagePOSITIONS IN THE FAMILY

Wife-MotherHusband-FatherDaughter-Sister

Son-Brother

STAGE-CRITICAL DEVELOPMENTAL TASKS• Balancing freedom with responsibility as

teenagers mature• Establishing postparental interests and

“careers” as parents

Stage VI: Launching CenterPOSITIONS IN THE FAMILY

Wife-MotherHusband-Father

STAGE-CRITICAL DEVELOPMENTAL TASKS• Releasing young adults into adulthood with

appropriate rituals and assistance• Maintaining a supportive home base

Daughter-SisterSon-Brother

Stage VII: Middle Aged ParentsPOSITIONS IN THE FAMILY

Wife-Mother-Grandmother-Mother In LawHusband-Father-Grandfather-Father In Law

STAGE-CRITICAL DEVELOPMENTAL TASKS• Rebuilding the marriage relationship

• Maintaining kin ties with older and younger generations

Daughter-Sister-Aunt-”Partner”-Sister In LawSon-Brother-Husband-Father

Stage VIII: Aging FamilyPOSITIONS IN THE FAMILY

STAGE-CRITICAL DEVELOPMENTAL TASKS• Closing the family home or adapting it to aging

• Adjusting to retirement

Husband-Father-GrandfatherWidow-Mother-GrandmotherWife-Mother-Grandmother

• Coping with bereavement and living alone

Stage VIII-Break: Aging FamilyPOSITIONS IN THE FAMILYWidow-Mother-Grandmother

Daughter-Wife-Mother-CaretakerSon In Law-Husband-Father

Children-Siblings-Grandchildren

STAGE-CRITICAL DEVELOPMENTAL TASKS

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