Until the 1950s, lifestyle was used to describe basic character and characteristics. The term was first introduced by the Austrian psychologist Alfred Adler in the 1929 book The Case of Miss R. Today, it is a widely-used expression to describe a person’s behaviour, interests, opinions, and cultural orientations. The word describes one’s fundamental characteristics established during childhood. Its use is not limited to personal traits. It also encompasses the person’s social class and income.
In the United States, it is common to refer to lifestyle as “a way of life”. A lifestyle is not necessarily a set of values and beliefs that are followed by the majority of people. It is a unique way of living that is influenced by a person’s environment, culture, and interests. Some factors that influence a person’s lifestyle include: a shared attitude towards social status and the pursuit of hobbies and interests. The phrase “lifestyle” is attributed to Max Weber and Alfred Adler.
While some definitions of lifestyle are universal, the concept is often ambiguous. The term “lifestyle” has been used as a broad umbrella term. It is a complex mix of societal, individual, and personal factors. This concept is the focus of major sociopolitical conversations. Despite its controversial nature, it is widely accepted and is considered an important part of a person’s overall personality. So, it is essential to define lifestyle correctly.
