Lífsferlisskoðun

Lífsferlisskoðun is an Icelandic term that translates to "life course perspective" or "life history perspective" in English. It is a theoretical framework used primarily in sociology, psychology, and gerontology to understand human development and social behavior across an entire lifespan. This approach emphasizes that individual lives are shaped by a complex interplay of historical, social, economic, and personal circumstances that unfold over time.

The core idea of the life course perspective is that individuals are not just products of their present environment but are also influenced by past experiences and the socio-historical context in which they live. It recognizes that key life events, such as education, marriage, parenthood, and career changes, are not isolated occurrences but are interconnected and have ripple effects throughout a person's life.

Key principles of the life course perspective include:

* **Historical Time and Place:** Lives are lived out in specific historical contexts and geographical locations, which influence opportunities and constraints.

* **Timing in Lives:** The timing of life transitions and events is crucial. Events that happen earlier or later in life can have different consequences.

* **Linked Lives:** Individual lives are interconnected. People are influenced by and influence the lives of others, such as family members, friends, and colleagues.

* **Agency:** While influenced by structural factors, individuals also have the capacity to make choices and shape their own lives.

* **Heterogeneity:** Recognizing that individuals respond differently to the same events and influences.

In essence, lífsferlisskoðun encourages researchers and practitioners to look beyond a single point in time and consider the long-term trajectories and the cumulative impact of experiences on individuals and society.