Elämäkulku

Elämäkulku is a Finnish term that translates directly to "life course" or "biography." It refers to the chronological sequence of events and experiences that shape an individual's life from birth to death. This concept is not merely a list of events but encompasses the social, economic, and personal contexts in which these events occur. Sociologists, psychologists, and historians often use the life course perspective to understand how different stages of life, such as childhood, adolescence, adulthood, and old age, are influenced by societal structures, cultural norms, and individual choices.

The life course perspective emphasizes that individual lives are shaped by historical time and place. For example, a person born during a war will experience their life differently than someone born during peacetime. It also highlights the interconnectedness of lives, as decisions and events in one person's life can affect others, particularly within families and social networks. Furthermore, the concept recognizes that individuals have agency, meaning they can make choices that influence their own life path, even within structural constraints. Elämäkulku therefore provides a framework for analyzing the complexities of human development and the dynamic interplay between individual lives and their broader social environments.