Building on the success of the 2003 Handbook of the Life Course this second volume identifies
future directions for life course research and policy. The introductory essay and the chapters
that make up the five sections of this book show consensus on strategic next steps in life
course studies. These next steps are explored in detail in each section: Section I on life
course theory provides fresh perspectives on well-established topics including cohorts life
stages and legal and regulatory contexts. It challenges life course scholars to move beyond
common individualistic paradigms. Section II highlights changes in major institutional and
organizational contexts of the life course. It draws on conceptual advances and recent
empirical findings to identify promising avenues for research that illuminate the interplay
between structure and agency. It examines trends in family school and workplace as well as
contexts that deserve heightened attention including the military the criminal justice system
and natural and man-made disaster. The remaining three sections consider advances and suggest
strategic opportunities in the study of health and development throughout the life course. They
explore methodological innovations including qualitative and three-generational longitudinal
research designs causal analysis growth curves and the study of place. Finally they show
ways to build bridges between life course research and public policy.
