A New Concept in Our Relationship with Time:Time Appropriation

Abstract

The aim of this study is to explore the dimensions and processes of time appropriation as a new concept. The sample of the study consists of 15 participants (Female = 7; Male = 8) in Van, Turkey reached by criterion and snowball sampling. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were analyzed through template analysis. Time appropriation is addressed in terms of recurrent time units and time zones. The results show that the process of time appropriation consists of dimensions of identification, meaning, emotion, ownership, transformativeness, sociability, and physical environment. The appropriation process involves high identification with the appropriating time, special-unique meanings, satisfying and generally positive emotions. Participants have a high degree of ownership of the time periods they appropriate time and experience more individual control over these time periods. In addition, participants are able to psychologically renew and transform themselves through these time periods. These psychological processes in the appropriating time take place in specific social and physical environments. We understand that the social and physical environments in the appropriating time consisted of social circles and environments where the participants felt free, safe and comfortable, and with which they established strong bonds. We discuss “time appropriation” as a new concept from a social-psychological perspective in this study.