Life course theory

Life course theory is a way of understanding how people's lives are affected by events that happen to them when they are young, and how those events shape their future. It is based on the idea of "pathways", or patterns of behavior that people develop over time. For example, if a child is born into a family with a lot of money, they may develop habits and values that will help them stay wealthy and stay in the same kind of lifestyle as an adult. On the other hand, a child born into a poverty-stricken family may develop habits and values that will lead to a life of poverty. Life course theory helps us understand how our early experiences shape our lives, which can help us make plans and take steps towards a better future.