Newly Married Couples

young, no children

Full Nest, Stage I

youngest child under six

Full Nest, Stage II

youngest child six or older

Full Nest, Stage III

older married couples with dependent children

Empty Nest I

older married couples, no children living with them, head in the labor force

Empty Nest II

older married couples, no children living at home, head retired

Solitary Survivor, Stage I

in labor force

Solitary Survivor, Stage II

retired

Bachelor Stage

young, single people not living at home

Source: Wells, W.D. and Gubar, G., Life Cycle Concept in Marketing Research, Journal of Marketing Research, November 1962, p. 362.

The Traditional Family Life Cycle

During the 20th century, a combination of technological expansion, a growing emphasis on the nuclear family, and the rise of the middle class all combined to produce certain influencers on consumer habits.

 

Click on any of the photographs hanging on this page to explore the different stages of the family life cycle.

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