changing patterns of the life course

Peter Laslett - 4 stages of life 

1) childhood 

• socialisation 
• norms and values
• dependent on parents, family

2) Adulthood 

• employment 

3) Retirement 

• freedom from responsibilities 
• choose your own puruits and ambitions 

4) Physical decline 

• dependent on other people 
• decline in physical and mental health
• end stage of life

Explanation of changing patterns

• Jane Pilcher - life course is influenced by the labour market
• prior to industialisation - age didnt matter, if ou could work you did, childhood wasnt a stage of life
• industrial - children were excluded from working, adulthood started later, retirement laws coming into place 
• postmodern - stay in education longer, children can choose to work, have to work longer…