Combining diaries and interviews in time-use studies

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the combined use of time-use diaries and interviews to get a fuller understanding of how people use their time, the factors that influence their time use, and their subjective perceptions of their time pressures. This paper focuses on how the methodology influenced the findings.

Design/methodology/approach

Participants kept a diary of their time use for one week and then participated in interviews to discuss their time use.

Findings

While the diaries yielded numerical data about participants’ time use, the interviews revealed the reasons behind their time choices. The complexity of Pakistani food preparation and the presence of in-laws in the home emerged as major factors. All participants expressed frustration with their time poverty.

Research limitations/implications

This was a small pilot study limited to eight participants.

Practical implications

This method gives researchers a more powerful tool for understanding not only how people use their time, but the social, cultural and economic forces behind their choices.

Social implications

Time poverty creates social inequities, especially among women and marginalized people. The methodology presented allows participants to have a voice in time-use studies and can help policy makers create policies that correct time poverty for disadvantaged groups.

Originality/value

This paper illustrates the usefulness of combining two existing methods for time-use studies in a new way for more powerful results.

Citation

Nichols, L. (2018), "Combining diaries and interviews in time-use studies", International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy, Vol. 38 No. 9/10, pp. 766-779. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJSSP-11-2017-0160