Time Work: Studies of Temporal Agency

This volume explores how people alter or customize their temporal experience, resisting external sources of constraint or structure. Ethnographic studies from various countries and continents conclude that people construct their own circumstances to modify their experience of time.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 234 pages
Publication date: 10 March 2023
Publisher: Berghahn Books

This volume delves into the fascinating realm of how individuals adapt and personalize various aspects of their temporal experience, exploring the strategies employed to resist external forces that impose temporal constraints or structures. Conducted through extensive ethnographic research spanning across international boundaries, these studies shed light on diverse cultures and continents, ultimately arriving at a compelling conclusion: humans actively construct their own circumstances with the deliberate aim of altering their perception of time.

In the intricate tapestry of human existence, there exists a profound interplay between individuals and the temporal realm they inhabit. This volume embarks on a captivating exploration, delving into the intricate ways in which people modify and customize their temporal experience. Through a series of ethnographic studies conducted on a global scale, it unravels the diverse strategies employed by individuals to resist the external forces that impose temporal constraints or structures.

These ethnographic investigations transcend geographical boundaries, traversing continents and cultures, providing a rich tapestry of insights. As the pages unfold, a profound realization emerges: humans possess an inherent capacity to shape their own circumstances, employing creative and deliberate means to alter their perception of time.

The studies reveal a deep-seated desire within individuals to transcend the confines of imposed temporal frameworks, seeking to forge their own paths and cultivate a sense of agency over their temporal experiences. Whether through cultural practices, social norms, or personal rituals, people actively construct their own temporal landscapes, shaping them in ways that resonate with their values, aspirations, and deepest desires.

This volume serves as a testament to the human spirit's resilience and adaptability, highlighting the profound ways in which individuals navigate the complexities of time and shape their lives in meaningful and profound ways. It encourages us to embrace the power of self-determination and recognize the agency we possess in shaping our temporal experiences, enabling us to live in harmony with the rhythms of existence and create a life rich with meaning and purpose.

ISBN-13: 9781800739291