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The Story of a Generation
Life Course Pathways of the Class of '73
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Language:
English
Published/Copyright:
2025
About this book
The Story of a Generation, a follow-up to Opportunity and Uncertainty: Life Course Experiences of the Class of ’73 (2000), continues where its predecessor left off. Through surveys and in-depth interviews with a high school class that graduated in 1973, the researchers uncover how these individuals – part of the late baby boomer generation – navigated a rapidly changing world.
Through this process, some patterns emerged: parents’ education played a defining role in shaping their children’s futures, while technology revolutionized workplaces and homes. Gender roles shifted, with spouses sharing domestic duties – though not yet equally. And as they aged, this generation found themselves at the forefront of redefining retirement, balancing longer lives with evolving financial and social expectations.
Beyond personal stories, The Story of a Generation offers a deeper understanding of how broader social forces – economic shifts, cultural changes, and technological advancements – interacted with individual choices. It’s more than just a study of one group of Canadians; it’s a reflection on how societies transform and how people adapt along the way. For anyone interested in sociology, history, or the human experience, this book provides a rare, intimate look at the passage of time – and the stories we leave behind.
Through this process, some patterns emerged: parents’ education played a defining role in shaping their children’s futures, while technology revolutionized workplaces and homes. Gender roles shifted, with spouses sharing domestic duties – though not yet equally. And as they aged, this generation found themselves at the forefront of redefining retirement, balancing longer lives with evolving financial and social expectations.
Beyond personal stories, The Story of a Generation offers a deeper understanding of how broader social forces – economic shifts, cultural changes, and technological advancements – interacted with individual choices. It’s more than just a study of one group of Canadians; it’s a reflection on how societies transform and how people adapt along the way. For anyone interested in sociology, history, or the human experience, this book provides a rare, intimate look at the passage of time – and the stories we leave behind.
Author / Editor information
Contributor: Paul Anisef
Paul Anisef is a professor emeritus of sociology at York University.
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Contributor: Paul Axelrod
Paul Axelrod is a professor emeritus of education at York University.
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Contributor: Carl E. James
Carl E. James is a professor of education and Jean Augustine Chair in Education, Community & Diaspora at York University.
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Contributor: Wolfgang Lehmann
Wolfgang Lehmann is a professor of sociology and associate dean of undergraduate students and programs at Western University.
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Contributor: Karen Robson
Karen Robson is a professor of sociology and Ontario Research Chair in Academic Achievement and At-Risk Youth at McMaster University.
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Contributor: Erika McDonald
Erika McDonald is a PhD graduate in sociology at York University.
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Contributor: Erica Fae Thomson
Erica Fae Thomson is a PhD candidate in sociology at McMaster University.
Topics
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Frontmatter
i -
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Table of Contents
vii -
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Acknowledgments
ix -
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Foreword
xi -
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Introduction
1 -
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1 Tracking the Pathways of the Class of ’73
10 -
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2 Six Members of the Class of ’73
22 -
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3 The Social, Economic, and Educational Contexts
44 -
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4 Education and Educational Mobility
57 -
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5 Working Lives
92 -
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6 Family Matters: Children, Marriage, Caregiving, and Home Life
115 -
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7 Moving On: The Class of ’73’s Later Life Experiences
136 -
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8 Are They Happy?
153 -
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9 Conclusions
168 -
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Appendix 1: Methodological Background to the Study of the Class of ’73
179 -
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Appendix 2: Sample Attrition over the Seven Phases of the Class of ’73 Study
183 -
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References
187 -
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Index
201
Publishing information
Pages and Images/Illustrations in book
eBook published on:
December 15, 2025
eBook ISBN:
9781487570651
Pages and Images/Illustrations in book
Main content:
208
eBook ISBN:
9781487570651
Keywords for this book
life course studies; longitudinal research; high school graduates; career pathways; education and class; family dynamics; social mobility; personal agency; economic conditions; Canadian society; baby boomers
Audience(s) for this book
For an expert adult audience, including professional development and academic research
