THE SOCIOLOGICAL USES OF TIME-USE DIARY ANALYSIS

In this paper we first address arguments that have been made within th e sociological literature concerning the nature of time; in particular we question the validity of the distinction between concepts of 'natu ral' and 'social' time. Secondly, we discuss some direct sociological critiques of the use of time-use diary methodology. We argue that much of the substance of these critiques relies upon a limited conception of such diaries, based upon relatively crude early analyses of time-us e data. In fact diary materials have the potential to provide measures of many of the aspects of the experience of time which they have been accused of ignoring. We present a series of example analyses which co nsider: the rhythm and sequencing of daily activities; the occurrence of multiple simultaneous activities; the duration of specific activiti es; the enjoyment of time spent in different activities; and the socia l context of activities.