Time and the Negotiation of Work–Family Boundaries

Brannen, Julia

doi:10.1177/0961463x05050299

Cited by 134 publications

(124 citation statements)

References 25 publications

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“…First an analytical framework is proposed that draws eclectically on various strands of literature, including time-geography, studies of social time, and social studies of science (May and Thrift, 2001;Adam, 2004;Law, 2004). Elements of this framework are then illustrated in an empirical study of how parents in dual-worker families -many of whom face many coupling constraints and are seriously pressed for time (Brannen, 2005) -cope with coupling constraints. The data used for this study stem from a small-scale multi-method study among two-earner families in the Utrecht region, the Netherlands.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

On ‘arriving on time’, but what is ‘on time’?

Schwanen

2006

Geoforum

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The time-geographical concept of coupling constraints, which deWne when, where and for how long individuals have to join other individuals and material objects, can be useful to 'time squeeze' studies. Geographers have typically operationalised the 'when' dimension of coupling constrains through arrival times at locations in physical space or the starting time of speciWc activities. This paper questions this approach and posits that it may be more productive to identify time-spans of acceptable or appropriate arrival times. However, these time-spans should not be expressed solely with reference to clock time. This is because boundaries on what is acceptable or appropriate depend not only on clock time but also on the times of the body and especially the time inherent to the dynamics in the juxtapositions and presence/absence of human beings and inanimate objects within a bounded physical space. Interview excerpts are presented to reveal how clock time interacts with contextual times in the modes in which parents in two-worker families perceive and cope with coupling constraints during workdays.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

On ‘arriving on time’, but what is ‘on time’?

Schwanen

2006

Geoforum

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“…Tensions between work and home have often been framed in terms of a conflict in the demands on an employees' time. The rise of dual-earner households together with the demise of 'standard working hours' have made the difficulties of reconciling time demands of paid work and family life a burning issue (Brannen 2005;Crompton 2002; Dex and Smith 2002;Lewis 2001;McKie et al 2002). The potential for conflict of workplace and household 'temporal regimes' has been explored in Australia, Britain and the United States (Folbre and Bittman 2004;Hochschild 1997;Pocock 2003;Pocock 2006).…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

Enacting virtual connections between work and home

Wajcman

Rose

Brown³

et al. 2010

Journal of Sociology

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The potential for information and communication technologies to reorganize time and space has emerged as a key theme in social theory. Affordances of the Internet mean that it has the capacity to affect temporal and spatial boundaries dividing work and home. Some theorists express concern that this may extend work into times normally reserved for family life, while others argue the Internet can encourage flexible work practices and result in better work—life balance. Focusing on a nationally representative sample of Australian employees, we examine the purpose and timing of Internet use and its role in the interaction between these domains. We demonstrate that the Internet is being used for personal purposes during work time to a greater extent than for work purposes during non-work time. Furthermore, we show that use of the Internet for work purposes outside work hours can assist work—family balance

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“…Some were on email mailing lists with friends working in other computer companies, enabling virtual conversations to be pursued with a wide group of people. Brannen (2005) argues that email transgresses the boundary between work and home; within the workplace, email also acts as the boundary between work and non-work. Email is also ambiguous.…”

Section: Fuzzy Holesmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…As aspects of the work process that take time are hidden, 7 this is the rationality that is internalized. Autonomy and self-regulation of time are features of the knowledge workplace (Hinrichs et al, 1991;Paolucci, 1996;Francis-Smythe and Roberston, 1999;Symes, 1999;Brannen, 2005). The following comments are typical: 'The amount of work I can't decide on, how I decide to organize myself is quite flex-ible' (Aoife 1: 17); 'It is very much left up to us what way we do it as long as it gets done by that date' (Catherine 2: 31).…”

Section: Time Managementmentioning

confidence: 99%

Fuzzy Holes and Intangible Time

O’Carroll

2008

Time & Society

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ABSTRACT. The knowledge economy is characterized by highly skilled, highly educated employees whose work is centred on the manipulation of information. This article looks at the work process of workers in the software sector, as their work is both central to the knowledge economy and shares many of the characteristics of other knowledge workers. It describes the temporal frameworks found, grounding them in the work process. It documents specific characteristics of work and work organization that give rise to a time experienced as both intangible and fuzzy. It argues that there is a deep irony at the centre of the knowledge economy. On one hand, speed is the key metaphor of the knowledge economy. Yet the use of metaphors of speed and efficiency bypass any appreciation of the qualitative nature of time found within these work processes. Knowledge production is based on creativity, communication and knowledge development, processes that move at their own pace. These processes sit uncomfortably within temporal frameworks, which are based on a predictable and quantifiable time.

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Time and the Negotiation of Work–Family Boundaries

Cited by 134 publications

References 25 publications

On ‘arriving on time’, but what is ‘on time’?

On ‘arriving on time’, but what is ‘on time’?

Enacting virtual connections between work and home

Fuzzy Holes and Intangible Time

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