A Conceptual Framework for the Sociological Study of the Life Strategies

Abstract

This article analyzes the life chances and opportunities of the individual provided by the society through the prism of implemented life strategies. It is noted that in the context of large-scale changes in the social structure, taking place in the group, institutional and individual levels and concerning changes in social norms, values, ideas, etc., is particularly important to study the life strategies of individuals. The concept of «life strategies» is defined as a set of ideas, beliefs and attitudes of the person, based on his/her life meaning value orientations, and aimed at achieving the goal of own life. The key empirical indicators of life strategies, in particular their focus, stability, long-term, mindfulness identifies. It is emphasized that the implementation of the individual life strategy involves not only his willingness and readiness to work in a certain direction, but also his organization, commitment and activity in the choice of means and methods to achieve strategic objectives. The process of formation of the individual life strategies in their social, cultural and psychological conditioning is analyzed. The author's vision of the structural components of life strategy is offered; options for a possible adjustment of their individual strategic plans are considering. The focus is on the theoretical analysis and the definition of multi-level factors in the formation and implementation of strategies for a person's life in a social transformation conditions. The possibility of the application submitted by the theoretical approach to the analysis of life strategies in the context of an empirical study of this phenomenon is considered.