As humans, we are often trapped within cultural belief systems that impose specific timelines for various aspects of life. We have certain age-based milestones such as graduating high school, getting married, having children, retiring, etc. These milestones shape our sense of progress through time and can become detrimental if they do not align with an individual's personal preferences and needs.
Non-binary temporality challenges these expectations by emphasizing the fluid nature of time and encouraging individuals to navigate their lives without the pressure of preconceived notions about how one should be living. In this essay, I will explore how non-binary temporality challenges culturally imposed temporal milestones and expectations of linear progression by examining its impact on three key areas: education, careers, and relationships.
Non-binary temporality challenges educational structures that follow a prescribed path. Traditional academic institutions tend to view time as a linear process with discrete stages - elementary school, middle school, high school, college or university, master's degree or doctorate, followed by job opportunities. Non-binary temporality rejects this notion by embracing the idea that learning is a continuous process that does not necessarily require formalized institutional instruction. This philosophy values self-directed learning, experiential education, and lifelong learning, which allows people to pursue knowledge and skills based on their interests rather than following a fixed curriculum.
Some may choose to take courses in unrelated fields to develop new skills or participate in informal training programs outside of traditional classrooms. By redefining the concept of education, non-binary temporality offers freedom from restrictive timelines and opens up possibilities for exploration and experimentation.
In terms of careers, non-binary temporality can offer flexibility and autonomy over life choices. The traditional career trajectory involves a series of steps such as obtaining an entry-level position, working towards promotions, changing jobs after five years or so, etc.
With non-binary temporality, individuals are free to define their own work paths without being confined by rigid timelines. They can explore multiple career options simultaneously, change roles within organizations, start their businesses, or become entrepreneurs. This approach encourages individuals to focus on what they enjoy doing instead of rushing through a predetermined track to reach specific milestones. As a result, it provides more opportunities for growth and personal fulfillment.
Non-binary temporality also challenges cultural expectations around romantic relationships. In traditional dating culture, there is often pressure to meet certain age-based benchmarks - marriage at 30, having children before 40, and retiring at 65. These expectations can be limiting and detrimental if they do not align with individual preferences. Non-binary temporality emphasizes that relationships should be based on mutual respect, love, and understanding rather than following preconceived ideas about when one should get married, have kids, or retire. It allows people to navigate their relationships in ways that prioritize compatibility and shared values rather than arbitrary timeframes.
Some may choose to live together before getting engaged or marry later in life while others may opt for non-traditional family structures like polyamory.
This approach empowers individuals to make decisions based on their unique needs and desires rather than external pressures.
Non-binary temporality offers an alternative way of thinking about time that challenges culturally imposed temporal milestones and linear progression. By redefining education, careers, and relationships, it opens up possibilities for self-discovery, creativity, and freedom from restrictive timelines. While the shift towards non-linearity might require significant adjustments in how we view time and progress, embracing this philosophy can lead to a more fulfilling and meaningful existence. As such, individuals who embrace non-binary temporality can create their own paths without being bound by societal norms and expectations.
How does non-binary temporality challenge culturally imposed temporal milestones and expectations of linear life progression?
The idea of non-binary time has been discussed by scholars such as G. E. M. Anscombe, Michael Young, and Henri Bergson. It challenges the traditional Western concept of time as linear and absolute, which is based on clocks and calendar systems that divide time into discrete units. Non-binary time views time as an experience rather than a measure, allowing for multiple simultaneous and overlapping temporalities.