ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on the ways in which the welfare state shapes the life course. The welfare state influences both the timing of life course events, such as policies and norms shaping the age at which people marry, have children, or retire, for example, as well as the duration of life course events, such as education and training. Individual needs in relation to the welfare state change across the life course and an individual may have more need for help or assistance from the welfare state at some stages more than others. These needs can give rise to new welfare state arrangements, as welfare states adjust policies to address changing social risks in society. The relationship between the welfare state and the life course is embedded in broader social, political and economic processes. In industrial societies, social, economic and political institutions were structured around a male breadwinner model, with men the primary wage earners and women homemakers and carers.
