PAUSES: EXPLORATIONS IN SOCIAL RHYTHM

Abstract

Despite the ubiquity of pauses in the personal and social fabric of everyday life, sociological analysis of this phenomenon has been limited in both scope and concern. In this article it is argued that pausing should not be relegated to the status of a residual category nor should pauses merely be conceptualized as breaks in action or periods of inactivity. Rather, it is suggested that pauses are an essential element of the social rhythm that demonstrates degrees of personal and community well‐being and vitality. As well, pausing may be an important, perhaps even necessary, part of the process of commitment and self‐esteem. A typology of pauses is offered and the implications of pausing in establishing the rhythm of human behavior are discussed.