Chronopolitics and ‘Time Wars’
When Greenwich in London became the zero point for global time, the rest of the world aligned itself with GMT, either as a plus or minus offset. This establishment conferred temporal centrality upon the United Kingdom, dictating the cadence of modernity. Within the realm of power dynamics and ideological currents, clocks transcend their mechanical function, calendars become contested territories, and temporal regimes shape the very foundations of societies. The relentless acceleration amplifies the alienating effects of temporal commodification, further reinforcing the dominance of prevailing temporal frameworks that marginalise alternative ways of experiencing time.
In the realm of temporal commodification, time is stripped of its inherent qualitative nature and transformed into a quantifiable entity. This reductionist view treats time as a valuable commodity that can be bought and sold, managed and optimised for maximum efficiency and productivity. Such temporal commodification dominates contemporary society, overshadowing qualitative experiences and placing greater emphasis on economic and instrumental values. Individuals are driven to constantly maximise their productivity within the confines of limited temporal frameworks, often succumbing to the pressures of this commodified view of time.
The pervasive notion that “time is money” embodies this commodification of time, permeating various facets of our lives, including work, education, and social activities. In the contemporary work environment, individuals are expected to meet strict deadlines and accomplish tasks within predetermined timeframes, highlighting the significance of time as a crucial metric for productivity. Similarly, standardised school schedules operate on the assumption that time can be quantified and controlled, imposing rigid timetables that shape students’ learning experiences. However, this schedule overlooks our inherent circadian rhythm, the natural fluctuations in our energy levels and cognitive functioning throughout the day. Despite the diverse variations in optimal learning, educational institutions adhere to fixed time parameters, perpetuating a disconnect between social time and our biological time. In this process, prevailing temporal frameworks prioritise external markers of efficiency, often disregarding the needs and capacities of individuals.
The dominant temporal norms marginalise alternative ways of perceiving and utilising time, particularly within the realm of education, work and beyond. The prioritisation of time-bound social engagements further reinforces the perception of time as a limited and valuable resource. Social events, meetings, and appointments are meticulously scheduled and organised, shaping our interactions and perpetuating the need to manage time — and our relations — effectively. Our condition, according to Byung-Chul Han, is driven by an inherent “positivity”. We constantly seek to do more with less time, driven by the belief that we can accomplish greater feats and increase our productivity (Han, 2015, p. 46). This mindset aligns with the commodification of time, as we strive to optimise our schedules and push our limits, all in pursuit of a perpetual state of achievement.
Within the realm of temporal management and commodification, the concept of chronotechnique emerges as a systematic and purposeful use of methods, practices, or technologies to optimise and control time in various contexts. Chronotechnique involves the intentional organisation and allocation of time, utilising tools, systems, and strategies to enhance temporal management and achieve desired outcomes. Employed across diverse domains such as workplaces, educational institutions, transportation systems, and personal time management, chronotechnique aids the rhythms, routines, and interactions of individuals and groups. It underscores the socio-technical nature of temporal practices, highlighting the relation between human agency and the manipulation of time.
Alongside temporal commodification and management, the concept of temporal hegemony emerges as a significant force in shaping societal norms, power structures, and cultural values. A pivotal moment unfolded when Greenwich in London assumed the role of time zero. From that point onward, nations across the globe aligned themselves with either GMT plus or minus, paying homage to the temporal hegemony established by the United Kingdom. In this temporal power play, the UK emerged as the centre of the Earth, exerting its influence over the rhythms that govern our collective existence. This temporal hegemony involves the imposition and enforcement of a particular temporal framework or system, which establishes a normative standard and marginalises alternative temporalities.
Embedded within the political dimensions of time, we uncover the notion of chronopolitics, which delves into the intricate relationship between power relations, social structures, and temporal practices. Temporalities are constructed, controlled, and manipulated to serve specific agendas and either maintain or challenge prevailing power dynamics. Chronopolitics describes the pivotal role played by temporal practices in shaping social realities and the agency of individuals and institutions in temporal arrangements.
Indeed, it is the case that time plays a crucial role in various sectors of society, such as healthcare and transportation. In hospitals, time management is vital for delivering prompt medical attention and ensuring coordinated operations. In emergency situations, every second counts, making efficient time utilisation a matter of life and death. Similarly, adherence to schedules in transportation systems is essential for minimising delays and facilitating the smooth movement of people and goods. These practical applications underscore the utility of time in enhancing overall system performance.
Nevertheless, it is important to critically examine the implications of time’s commodification and rigid enforcement. The relentless pursuit of productivity and the constant pressure to meet strict time constraints can result in burnout, stress, and a neglect of personal well-being and leisure. The relentless focus on clock time often overshadows the significance of qualitative experiences, human connections, and creativity, relegating them to secondary roles in our lives. Moreover, the standardised notion of time tends to overlook the diverse temporal rhythms and individual needs, imposing a uniform framework that may not align with natural inclinations or abilities.
While the ticking of clocks remains constant in pace, the subjective experience of acceleration, for instance, is a remarkable phenomenon worth noting. In our fast-paced societies, there is a prevailing sense that time is slipping away at an unprecedented pace. The relentless acceleration of technology, social dynamics, and the fast pace of daily life, as eloquently described by Hartmut Rosa, can leave us feeling alienated from our deepest desires and social functions (2010, p. 33). It seems that in our relentless pursuit of efficiency and productivity, we often prioritise external measures of success over our intrinsic human needs. The constant pressure to keep up with ever-evolving technologies and societal changes can make us feel controlled by external forces, detached from our yearnings.
Social acceleration can fracture our sense of community and belonging, as the rapid pace of digital interactions and superficial connections replace the depth and meaningful engagement we crave. This breakneck pace of life can further isolate us from our own well-being, leaving us exhausted, disengaged and alienated. Alternative frameworks are therefore needed, ones that prioritise genuine human needs, the cultivation of authentic desires, and the nurturing of meaningful social relationships within this ever-accelerating world. As a collective, we must reclaim the qualitative aspects of time, acknowledging diverse temporalities, and resist the hegemony of commodified and controlled temporal frameworks.
Bibliography
Han, B.-C. (2015). The Burnout Society. Stanford University Press.
Rosa, H. (2010). Alienation and Acceleration: Towards a Critical Theory of Late-Modern Temporality. NSU Press.
