Institutional Life Course

The life course is also influenced by the social and bureaucratic institutions and structures that are within our society. Policies and practices can shape the roles available to different groups of people, and therefore, influence the opportunities and choices that we have at different points in our lives.

Moreover, these institutions and structures can influence our health and well-being, whether this is in relation to, for instance, the provision of free services for people of a certain age or the availability of respite services for family carers. By exploring the life course as a product of policies and practices, and the underlying values and norms that they represent, we can identify elements of the life course that are created and enforced by our own society.

Illustrative projects demonstrating the Institutional Life Course include:

ILAS

The Institute aims to advance people’s lives in Ireland and internationally who face issues with older life, living with disability, children, youth and parents who are vulnerable in social and other contexts. The research at the Institute is underpinned by academic staff and researchers who are keen the work we do makes a difference.

Co-Funded by the Irish Government and the EU