Non-binary temporality refers to an understanding of time that is not linear, but rather cyclical or multidirectional. This means that events are not necessarily ordered sequentially, but can occur simultaneously or overlap. Time is seen as more than just a chronological progression, but also as something that exists within multiple dimensions and planes. In traditional western societies, time is often understood as progressing in a linear fashion, with past, present, and future existing as distinct entities.
Non-binary temporality challenges this view, suggesting that time is not always neatly divided into these categories. Instead, it is fluid and ever-changing, allowing for multiple experiences to coexist and interact with one another. This concept has important implications for how individuals perceive their lives and relate to others.
One way that non-binary temporality transforms lived experience is through its impact on milestones. Milestones are typically seen as markers of progress or accomplishment that occur along a linear timeline.
Graduating from high school or college might be viewed as a significant event that signals the beginning of a new chapter in life.
Under a non-linear understanding of time, milestones can occur at different points throughout an individual's lifetime, and may even reoccur in cycles. This can lead to a sense of disorientation or confusion, as individuals struggle to make sense of their own trajectory.
Non-binary temporality can affect self-continuity, which refers to an individual's sense of identity over time. Under a linear model, people tend to view themselves as evolving gradually over time, accumulating knowledge and experiences that help shape who they are. Non-binary temporality, however, suggests that individuals can shift and change in unexpected ways, defying traditional understandings of personal growth and development. This can be both liberating and confusing, as individuals navigate uncharted territories of their identities.
Non-binary temporality also challenges relationality, which involves the connections between individuals and groups. In traditional models, relationships are often understood as consisting of two (or more) distinct entities that move together in a linear fashion. Under non-binary temporality, relationships can become more fluid and dynamic, with individuals entering and exiting them at various points throughout their lives. This can lead to a greater emphasis on flexibility and adaptability, but also raises questions about the nature of commitment and stability.
Non-binary temporality provides a new way of thinking about time and its implications for our lived experience. It encourages us to question traditional assumptions about progress, development, and relationships, and invites us to explore alternative modes of being in the world.
It also poses ethical considerations, such as how we should approach issues like memory, trauma, and continuity of care within this framework. As such, further research is needed to better understand the implications and applications of non-binary temporality in everyday life.
How does non-binary temporality transform lived experience of milestones, self-continuity, and relationality, and what ethical considerations emerge from this reconceptualization of time and life trajectory?
Non-binary temporality challenges traditional views on temporal concepts such as chronology, linearity, and cyclical models, which are often associated with binary notions of time (past/future) and time-based goals (e. g. , achieving certain milestones). This shift in temporal understanding can lead to new experiences and perspectives on the meaning of life, personal development, and interpersonal relationships.