Education and the Social Psychology of Time

Abstract

Social values and socially determined frames of reference are presented as an important source of cultural influence on young people's behaviour; the use of such concepts should further understanding of why social class has proved to be such an important factor in educational research. Several theories of social values are outlined, all of which make some reference to ideas about time, and it is argued that ideas about time, such as "future-" versus "present-orientation", may be an important aspect of class-bound behaviour, especially of young people in an educational system. A range of concepts and methods that have been applied in the social-psychological study of time are critically outlined. Empirical research is reviewed in several areas of concern to educationists, for example: attitudes towards time, social class and culture; time, educational attainment and occupational aspiration. This existing research, although poorly developed conceptually and methodologically, is coherent enough to suggest that the social psychology of time is a significant topic that merits fuller examination.