For our group class, we had to read an article about the cultural perceptions of time and everything that goes into that. I was so fascinated at what I learned! Especially because I saw how I had both types of time perceptions in my own life and my own culture. Few things are more interesting than reading something about your own culture.
The author explained how there are two different types of time perceptions and how we completely revolve around them. These two types of things really influence how we act, how we go about our day, even how we talk to others.
When I learned about the differences in Polychronic time and Monochronic time, I instantly started thinking about how I have seen that being manifested in my own life. I see it all the time and I didn't even know about it!!
The author mentioned that Latin American cultures and Arab cultures tend to be Polychronic and Anlgo cultures are more monochronic. I am Colombian, which makes me Latin American and now I finally felt justified for being late all of the time!! I started thinking about my experiences for both types of time perceptions.
I thought about the time when I was having a particularly hard time in school and so I decided to see a counselor at BYU. I loved going and the sessions helped me cope with stress well, but I was always so annoyed when the 50 minutes was up! When I started a story, I would have to cut it short because my counselor would say "well, looks like we're running out of time" and it really annoyed me. It all clicked as I read that monochronic time deals with keeping to schedule and going beyond scheduled time poses issues and creates conflicts.
On the other hand, I also understood why having a monochronic way of life when doing business was necessary because it was "efficient". However, I liked learning that polychronic time was more about people and human relations. I was really excited to read that because I realized that I was raised by a polychronic-timed mother. When she married my step-dad, who is American, I became aware of time tracking and how being late for something really was considered rude...even if what was holding one back had to do with someone important.
As I am an adult now, I can see the differences between the cultures of my parents and how they value time. Ever since I have been at BYU, I have tried to keep close communication with my both of my parents. When I call my mom (the polychronic time centered parent)there seems to be no time...she never has to go or anything. She seems to put me above anything in her life. That is just the way that it has always been with her. On a different time frame however, is my dad. I know he cares about me and loves me, and I have never doubted that. Nevertheless, everytime my dad and I talk, he always seems to say "well..kid, I gotta go. But what will you be doing at 4:30?" he always seems to measure time! He always gives me a time frame! I have never really understood that, since my mom never does that. Now that I have read this article however, I finally understand. It was so intriguing.
I think about how this will definitely be something to take into consideration when the time for my interviews comes in India.
I am looking forward to seeing how the Indian women of the village see time and perceive it. Will there be a set time to make dinner? is there a specific time to wake up and make sure that the household chores are done?
I think that the women in the village will have more of a polychronic time sense because they are the ones that take care of the children and their husbands. As women, we tend to naturally be drawn to the human side of life and the people around us. I think that when I set up interviews and have no shows or late shows, I will be understanding and sensitive to the fact that their time perceptions are different than my own.
Hm, just some thoughts, time in India is very relative/p-timey. Trying to get people to be at meetings on time is difficult. Indian women, if they were interested in you, would probably make time.
ReplyDeleteI don't know if this helps your planning at all, but Indians often eat very late and stay up later than we traditionally do in the West. Often dinner is at nine, ten, or eleven o'clock as a completely normal thing. This might be influenced by the fundamentally social nature of Indian village life, at least that I have observed. Maybe that information is irrelevant, but when you are looking at your days, it is something to keep in mind, if you are dealing exclusively with village women, I suppose.
Also, I don't have any sources to give you, but you might want to look into the religiosity of women. When they get up is often influenced by the requirement of doing puja and things like that.