Livsroller

Livsroller, or “life roles” in Swedish, refers to the set of social and personal positions a person occupies over the course of a lifetime. The concept emphasizes that identity is shaped by multiple roles rather than a single fixed self, and it is used in sociology, psychology, and related fields to analyze how people navigate expectations attached to different positions. Roles may be formal or informal, such as student, employee, partner, parent, child, caregiver, friend, volunteer, or citizen. People typically manage several roles at once, and transitions such as education, entering the workforce, marriage, parenthood, aging, and retirement can alter the balance and content of one’s livsroller.

Theory and implications: Livsroller are described by role theory and the life-course perspective. Role conflict can occur when demands from different roles clash; role strain when a single role becomes burdensome; and role overload when too many roles stretch resources. Cultural and organizational contexts influence the expectations attached to each role and the opportunities to pursue them.

Applications: The concept is used in career guidance, social work, psychology, and public policy to support individuals in managing responsibilities, plan transitions, and promote well-being. Policies that facilitate work–family balance, caregiving support, and educational pathways can affect the development and quality of an individual's livsroller.

Etymology: From Swedish liv “life” and roller “roles.”

See also: life course, role theory, identity development, career development.