Temporal Rhythms as Outcomes of Social Practices. A Speculative Discussion

Abstract

In this article we argue that rushhours, hot spots and experiences of time squeeze are temporal manifestations of relations between practices. In describing these relations we explore the relevance of a range of metaphors, including those of organic, self-sustaining networks. In contrast to time use studies, which suggest that social rhythms follow from interaction between individuals, we argue that temporal rhythms are usefully characterised as outcomes of processes in which practices figure as “living” rather than asstable entities. Although illustrated with reference to empirical studies of daily life in Finland, this is in essence a speculative paper designed to provoke debate about how webs of social practice constitute the temporalities of contemporary society.