Chapter 1 - Midlife Development in a Life Course Context

Abstract

This chapter discusses the midlife development in a life-course context. According to this chapter, the belief that “midlife” comprises a separate and distinct stage of life is a recent cultural construction, originating only in the 20th century. The emergence of midlife as a life stage is linked to two related demographic trends: the increase in human longevity and the decline in fertility. The two demographic changes are particularly relevant in defining midlife for women, given the gender gap in longevity and the greater salience of family roles for women. However, these demographic trends have also worked in tandem with the transformations in the economy and career paths, to produce the constellation of social roles that characterize an adult life course in transition. It is difficult to set precise ages when midlife begins or ends. However, it is popularly thought to begin at age 35. Midlife in the early 21st century is a state of flux, with economic, demographic, technological, social, and cultural changes produce unprecedented variability for those in this stage of life. This brings to mind a final life course theme that individuals help to construct their own lives and their own environments. These remarkable social changes offer challenges but also opportunities for individuals to customize their middle years according to their own interests and inclinations and for society to create new structures that will serve to expand the life chances and choices for those in the middle life course.