Towards a Theory of Temporal Adjustment

• In Event: Theory Section Refereed Roundtables
  In Refereed Roundtable (60 minute): Table 11

Abstract

Existing theories of temporality overlook a key dynamic aspect: how actors adjust their temporal orientations, visions, and imaginaries over time. This article provides a theory of temporal adjustment by theorizing three specific yet different forms: 1) reorientation: adjusting among temporal orientations toward the past, present, and future; 2) rescaling: adjusting across different forms of the future; and 3) contextualization: adjusting from an abstract future to a concrete future. Drawing on a wide range of empirical evidence from the literature, this article shows that distinguishing these three forms of temporal adjustment adds clarity to our understanding of temporality and action.

Author

• Lyusen Wang, Zhejiang University