The transformation of our societies is affecting the construction of our lives and life courses. These are traversed by a dual movement of de-standardization and de-institutionalization, leading to a gradual detachment from social roles, but also to a rise in social, cultural and gender uncertainties and inequalities. The "Transitions and Ages of Life" cluster studies the way in which these life courses are recomposed according to new social constraints and normative imperatives. It thus focuses on the fragility of populations at any age of life, and also on the repercussions of political devices and measures on the construction of life courses.

This cluster brings together researchers from different disciplinary backgrounds who analyze both the normative transformations affecting life courses and life-age transitions.

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Aging

Life courses are built on a division of life into three successive stages. Youth as a time of training, adulthood devoted to professional activity and retirement as a time of rest. This division is still operative today, even if it is gradually losing legitimacy. The 'Transitions and Age of Life' cluster questions this sequencing through an analysis of ageing.
The question of ageing is examined from the angle of individual experiences and, more specifically, of the turning points that mark out life courses. Aging is thus considered from the perspective of old age, but also of the end of one's career.

Care

The 'Transitions and Age of Life' cluster also examines the relationships of assistance provided to others through the notion of 'care'. This is defined in terms of the care provided either by specialized institutions (home help services, nursing homes, etc.), or by informal help provided by close caregivers. Care thus questions gendered models and the patriarchal inscription of our societies, but, more broadly, it also enables us to think about our cultural models from the angle of benevolence, outside even any approach to or in the feminine.

Current research projects

  • 2024 - ... : PDR BRIDGE-EXT (FNRS) | Thinking about work after the legal retirement age! N. Burnay
  • 2022 - ....: https://www.aufildusoin.be/ : collaborative site collecting stories of care given/received by elderly or chronically ill people | N. Rigaux
  • 2020-2023: PATH - Parcours de vie, Travail et Handicap | N. Burnay
  • 2017-2022: Strengthening community mediation spaces for young people in situations of violence and psychosocial suffering | N. Rigaux
  • 2020-2021: Management of databases dedicated to the mental health evaluation platform "Etest" | M. Desseilles & F. Peeters
  • 20-2021 : The fragmentation of public policies and its impact on the care of children aged 0-3 with mental health problems and on the effectiveness of their rights | A-C. Rasson & G. Mathieu
  • 2019-2020: Electronic psychological tests to quantify self and assist in screening, diagnosis, follow-up and prognosis | M. Desseilles & F. Peeters
  • 2018-... : Survey: Social impact of the ASBL's intervention Aide à Domicile in Rural Areas | N. Burnay