Abstract
This article explores the phenomenological and socially constructed experience of time during the finite period of the vacation.
Temporal routine is considered as a form of social control from which vacations and similar breaks for time off offer opportunities
for agency and release. In-depth interviews, participant observation, and a narrative analysis of vacation blogs are used
to analyze norms in orientation to time while one is away from select constraints of everyday life. Approaches to time while
on vacation are found to fall into two ideal types: those who may “ignore” time and find release from schedules and routine,
and those who must closely attend to its passage. Influences of duration, frequency and pace are also central in moderating
experience.
Temporal routine is considered as a form of social control from which vacations and similar breaks for time off offer opportunities
for agency and release. In-depth interviews, participant observation, and a narrative analysis of vacation blogs are used
to analyze norms in orientation to time while one is away from select constraints of everyday life. Approaches to time while
on vacation are found to fall into two ideal types: those who may “ignore” time and find release from schedules and routine,
and those who must closely attend to its passage. Influences of duration, frequency and pace are also central in moderating
experience.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Pages 1-19
- DOI 10.1007/s11133-012-9228-2
- Authors
- Karen Stein, Department of Sociology, Rutgers University, 26 Nichol Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
- Journal Qualitative Sociology
- Online ISSN 1573-7837
- Print ISSN 0162-0436