ABSTRACT
One of the exciting areas of theoretical development to gain prominence has been in the advancement of life course theorizing. This perspective has its roots in age stratification theory and the work of prominent American sociologist C. Wright Mills. Mills was instrumental in developing a theoretical perspective. The life course perspective elaborates the importance of time, context, process, and meaning on human development and family life. Three types of time are central to a life course perspective: individual time, generational time, and historical time. The life course perspective also alerts us to the fact that there is also the possibility of counter-transitions or transition reversals. Geopolitical events, economic cycles and social and cultural ideologies can shape people’s perceptions and choices and alter the course of human development. Another distinguished feature of the life course approach is recognition of innovation and human agency in the life course. The life course perspective emphasizes heterogeneity or diversity in structures or processes.
