Life style--an emergent concept in the sociomedical sciences

The concept of life style recently has gained prominence in sociomedical research; yet the term remains poorly defined. This paper traces the evolution of the life style concept from its origins in sociological and personality studies to its current use in reference to behavioral risk factors for disease. Particular attention is given to the changes in meaning that have taken place over the past few decades. Similarities between the notion of life style and concepts of cultural integration are noted, and the various uses of life style are categorized along an idealist-materialist continuum. Finally, the authors fault medicalized notions of life style for failing to acknowledge the importance of the context and meaning of health-related behavior.