The Social psychology of time : new perspectives /

Diverse and interesting insights, albeit preliminary, into time and its impact on human behavior. It is a follow-up to McGrath and Janice R. Kelly's Time and Human Interaction: Toward a Social Psychology of Time (CH, May '87). The major sections treat the pace of everyday life; rhythms of behavior; time allocation and enjoyment; developmental cycles; and continuity and change. The chapters differ according to level of analysis (ranging from individuals to large social systems), perspective (internal or external), and time frame (subseconds to years)--rather arbitrary distinctions. Various theoretical perspectives are outlined; some are primarily speculative, whereas others provide empirical evidence (often based on the authors' research). A wide range of methodologies are employed, including archival research, observation, cross-sectional and longitudinal studies, and the use of time diaries. Many contributors bemoan the lack of systematic research; their conclusions often contain suggestions for future investigations. The consensus is that time implicitly governs almost every facet of social behavior and therefore warrants attention as a variable in its own right. For advanced readers. J. S. Croxton SUNY College at Fredonia