Families on the Space-Time Continuum: Conceptualizing and Measuring Temporal and Spatial Dimensions

The "space-time continuum" is a theoretical framework in physics that removes the distinction between time and space and, instead, treats them as part of a seamless continuum. In this paper, I use it as the basis for a new approach to understanding the opportunities and challenges for low-income families through a focus on two key dimensions of family life: time and space. The spatial element refers to the physical proximity of family members and the temporal pertains to the duration of time in which family members maintain particular arrangements in response to economic shocks, health challenges and new opportunities for social mobility. Drawing on data drawn from an ongoing project in Nairobi, Kenya, I show how the interaction of these two dimensions produces a range of scenarios for different types of social support to emerge. The space-time continuum approach offers a way to connect macro level factors such as labor market constraints to micro level adaptation, agency, change and continuity in family structure and function. In doing so, I also make a case for the critical role that research in the African context can play in the development of theory and methodological innovation in family sociology. While I draw extensively from my own research and geographical area of expertise, the ideas presented should resonate with other contexts in the Global South and beyond. The paper concludes with a discussion of key research priorities that family science scholars should pursue.