social time

is an understanding of time as qualitative which is important not only for primitive societies, but also for modern industrial states where the rhythms, pulsations, and beats of the societies in which they are found are revealed.

Drawing on Gurdon's (1914) anthropology, they argue that 'systems of time reckoning reflect the social activities of the group' (1937: 620). They show that the concept of qualitative time is important not only for primitive societies, but also for modern industrial states. They suggest that: 'Social time is qualitative and not purely quantitative. . .. These qualities derive from the beliefs and customs common to the group . . . . They serve to reveal the rhythms, pulsations, and beats of the societies in which they are found' ( 193 7: 623).

is an understanding of time whereby meaning comes to associate an event with its temporal setting. The recognition of specific periods is dependent on the degree of significance attributed to them.

Indeed, they take this position a step further. Whereas Evans-Pritchard ( 1940) in his studies of The Nuer illustrated how certain activities give significance to social time. Sorokin and Merton adopt a position more characteristic of the sociology of knowledge. They argue that meaning comes to associate an event with its temporal setting. and that the recognition of specific periods is dependent on the degree of significance attributed to them.

is an understanding of time whereby time is experienced qualitatively rather than quantitatively. Its units are fixed not by the clock but by the rhythm of collective life.

In the American tradition, Sorokin and Merton ( 1937) also highlight this qualitative nature of social time. In so doing. they draw not only on Durkheim. but also, and significantly. on the works of early cultural anthropologist, such as Codrington (1891). Hodson (1908). Nilsonn ( 1920). Best (1922) and Kroeber ( 1923). This synthesis allows Sorokin and Merton to identify qualitative themes at both micro and macro levels. Whilst at the micro level, they emphasize the discontinuity. relativity and specificity of time 'social time is qualitatively differentiated' they also suggest. like Durkheim, that: 'units of time are often fixed by the rhythm of collective life' ( 1937: 615).

social time, n.Definitions

social time