Stuck in the Moment? Time Perspective and Time Allocation Across Social Classes in Poland

Individual’s time perspective and everyday time-use patterns have major impact on all realms of human life. They influence the chances for upwards mobility and affect individual life trajectories. As put by Jeremy Rifkin, “those who are most present oriented are swept into the future that others have laid out for them” (Rifkin, 1987). However, time perspective is a multidimensional phenomenon and needs to be studies in relation to the actual time use patterns – in which is it supposed to be reflected. Only combining attitudinal and behavioural data can give deeper insights into socially differentiating role of temporal arrangements. This study analyses daily time allocation patterns in conjunction with temporal preferences and the possible drivers behind them – such as individual time perspective and time constraints. It focuses on the relationship between the perception of time or daily allocation of time and individual position in the social structure. Using quantitative data for Polish population aged 24-65 (n=780), it shows how temporal orientations and perception of time are related to individual social position and how they differ depending on the respondent’s genders, age, educational attainment or occupational category (ISCO-based). The study casts light on the much overlooked dimension of social inequality, including the effect of temporal perspective on status attainment, social determinants of the ability to plan long-term and delay gratification, as well as the life course-related choices and their consequences.