In this debate article, we examine how the growth and consolidation of life course research –a field experiencing a “golden age” according to Ferraro and Shafer (2017)– has enriched our understanding of social vulnerability in Latin America and the Caribbean (LA&C) 1. Our examination of life course and vulnerability studies aims to provide insights on two critical aspects of this region: First, we explore the impact of welfare institutions on diverse life trajectories, and second, we address the deeply entrenched inequalities of LA&C societies. Accordingly, our conceptual discussion of vulnerability and the life course revolves around these twin themes, the role of welfare institutions and the persistent inequality of LA&C societies, which hold significant implications for the sociology and social policy of the region.