Third ISA Forum of Sociology (July 10-14, 2016)

81

Stages and Transitions in the Family Life Cycle in an International Comparative Perspective

RC06 Family Research (host committee)

Language: English

The development of families, beginning with the family formation process to its dissolution, depends on complex influences on the societal, contextual, family group and individual level. On the societal level, legal and institutional regulations, incentive structures of social, labor, and family policy measures, and cultural values e.g. regarding the timing of family formation stages, intergenerational interdependence, the appropriateness of voluntary dissolution, and options and obligations in various ages play an important role. These macro-social influences interact with individual preferences, options and choices concerning the interaction with co-family members in a complex, not yet fully understood way.
The purpose of this session is to contribute to this understanding by taking a cross-cultural as well as cross-national and multi-level perspective. Papers which compare selected stages and transitions in the family life cycle from different cultural/national settings, preferably including longitudinal data from East Asian, European and North American countries, representing variations in collectivistic/individualistic cultures and various social policy regimes are invited to join the session. Papers should focus on a dynamic perspective and demonstrate the interdependence of family development, intergenerational relations and societal conditions. Posters: