Linked lives, recognizing the interdependent nature of lives, is one of the principles of the life course perspective, particularly appraised in the context of family and intergenerational relations. It has been used as a consensual general premise, although empirically underexplored. As a consequence, its contribution has been limited. Therefore, we aimed to understand how this principle, within family relations, has been researched by carrying out a systematic collection and multivariate analysis of bibliographical references (N = 507). We identified three profiles of publications: Theoretical Holistic; Nuclear Family Qualitative; and Contemporary Expansion. This recent development reflects a greater diversification of theoretical, thematic and methodological approaches. However, there is a continued prevalence of unidirectional, intergenerational and top-down family links, and room for improvement in cross-comparative and methodological perspectives.

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Bibliometric analysis,Family,Life course,Linked lives,Social sciences

• Sociology - Social Sciences
• Other Social Sciences - Social Sciences

This publication is an output of the following project(s):

• Candidates Survey (MPs and non-elected candidates) for the 2019 Legislative Elections
• Candidates Survey (MPs and non-elected candidates) for the 2022 Legislative Elections
• Linked Lives: A mixed multilevel longitudinal approach to family life course