Synthesis: A Multidimensional Perspective on Vulnerability and the Life Course

This first section shows that the concept of the interdependency of life domains is of utmost importance. Typically, such interdependency is detected when decisions, events and transitions in one life domain influence those in another, producing spillover effects. Spillovers across life domains take the form of resources generated or drained by one life domain that facilitate or hinder actions and well-being in another life domain. In this synthesis, we discuss how positive and negative spillovers across life domains can lead to a better understanding of life course vulnerability. We also relate the spillovers across life domains of related individuals and the way in which spillovers are regulated by the structural embeddedness into specific contexts. We illustrate our purpose through examples taken from research carried out by LIVES research program. We conclude by arguing that life domains interdependencies call for life course policies that explicitly consider spillover effects. Current policies addressing a specific life domain at the time have often unintended consequences that shall not be neglected. For instance, policies increasing pension age, do not only shape the employment trajectories, but have also have consequences on time available for leisure and care as well as on opportunities to relocate after retirement.