Time resourcefulness of children: from time poverty to time affluence

Abstract

Based on a review of empirical work on children's time use in different domains of their life (sleep and self-care, school time, schoolwork, work, leisure, and free time), the present chapter proposes a theoretical model that categorizes children's time resourcefulness. Research shows that individuals may be time poor or time rich in conditions of material poverty, as well as in material affluence. Therefore, going beyond the dichotomy of time poverty and time richness is crucial in order to cover different experiences of children in terms of time use. Time and material resources, extending from availability and lack thereof, are the two dimensions that produce four categories of time resourcefulness: time poverty, time deprivation, time abundance, and time affluence. This categorization may serve as a theoretical template to examine children's time use, its predictors, and development in addition to well-being outcomes that may have policy implications for the organization of children's time across the globe.