Time-space compression
Encyclopedia
Time-space compression is a term used to describe processes that seem to accelerate the experience of time and reduce the significance of distance during a given historical moment. Geographer David Harvey
used the term in The Condition of Postmodernity, where it refers to "processes that . . . revolutionize the objective qualities of space and time" (240). Sociologist Anthony Giddens
introduced a similar but slightly differentiated term, time-space distantiation.
Time-space compression often refers to technologies that seem to accelerate or elide spatial and temporal distances, including technologies of communication (telegraph, telephones, fax machines, Internet
), travel (rail, cars, trains, jets) and economics
(the need to overcome spatial barriers, open up new markets, speed up production cycles, and reduce the turn-over time of capital). According to theorists such as Paul Virilio
, time-space compression represents an essential facet of contemporary life: "Today we are entering a space which is speed-space ... This new other time is that of electronic transmission, of high-tech machines, and therefore, man is present in this sort of time, not via his physical presence, but via programming" (qtd. in Decron 71). Virilio also uses the term dromology to describe "speed-space." The present moment, which some would characterize as postmodern, presents one example of an historical period marked by time-space compression.
Theorists generally identify two historical periods in which time-space compression occurred: the period from the mid-nineteenth century to the beginnings of the First World War, and the end of the twentieth century. In both of these time periods, according to Jon May and Nigel Thrift, “there occurred a radical restructuring in the nature and experience of both time and space . . . both periods saw a significant acceleration in the pace of life concomitant with a dissolution or collapse of traditional spatial co-ordinates” (7).
David Harvey
David Harvey is the name of:*David Harvey *David Harvey , geographer and social theorist*David Harvey , American luthier...
used the term in The Condition of Postmodernity, where it refers to "processes that . . . revolutionize the objective qualities of space and time" (240). Sociologist Anthony Giddens
Anthony Giddens
Anthony Giddens, Baron Giddens is a British sociologist who is known for his theory of structuration and his holistic view of modern societies. He is considered to be one of the most prominent modern contributors in the field of sociology, the author of at least 34 books, published in at least 29...
introduced a similar but slightly differentiated term, time-space distantiation.
Time-space compression often refers to technologies that seem to accelerate or elide spatial and temporal distances, including technologies of communication (telegraph, telephones, fax machines, Internet
Internet
The Internet is a global system of interconnected computer networks that use the standard Internet protocol suite to serve billions of users worldwide...
), travel (rail, cars, trains, jets) and economics
Economics
Economics is the social science that analyzes the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services. The term economics comes from the Ancient Greek from + , hence "rules of the house"...
(the need to overcome spatial barriers, open up new markets, speed up production cycles, and reduce the turn-over time of capital). According to theorists such as Paul Virilio
Paul Virilio
Paul Virilio is a cultural theorist and urbanist. He is best known for his writings about technology as it has developed in relation to speed and power, with diverse references to architecture, the arts, the city and the military....
, time-space compression represents an essential facet of contemporary life: "Today we are entering a space which is speed-space ... This new other time is that of electronic transmission, of high-tech machines, and therefore, man is present in this sort of time, not via his physical presence, but via programming" (qtd. in Decron 71). Virilio also uses the term dromology to describe "speed-space." The present moment, which some would characterize as postmodern, presents one example of an historical period marked by time-space compression.
Theorists generally identify two historical periods in which time-space compression occurred: the period from the mid-nineteenth century to the beginnings of the First World War, and the end of the twentieth century. In both of these time periods, according to Jon May and Nigel Thrift, “there occurred a radical restructuring in the nature and experience of both time and space . . . both periods saw a significant acceleration in the pace of life concomitant with a dissolution or collapse of traditional spatial co-ordinates” (7).