Introduction

‘Time’ has become a central topic of debate in the academy, just as it has in public life. Experiences of time poverty and hurriedness, burnout and stress are staples of popular discussion, media hype and political concern. Studies of time tend to lose sight of the fact that rhythms and routines have spatial qualities and characteristics. Popular and academic accounts routinely assume that experiences of time – and especially those of being hurried and harried – are shaped by external ‘forces’. In geography, Allen Pred has sought to conceptualize the relation between individual life courses as characterized and punctuated by collective goals. The scope of the debate is considerable, stretching from alarmist critiques to more positive evaluations which revel in the busyness and fast pace of city life. On end are critics of hyper-consumerism, denouncing a ‘too much, too fast’ life-style. The chapter also presents an overview on the key concepts discussed in this book.