Paper short abstract:

Based on two different studies conducted respectively in China and Switzerland with mobile families, we explore the relational dimension of time as this is experienced, negotiated and practiced by accompanying spouses as a result of the family mobility.

Paper long abstract:

Under conditions of recent global economic dynamics, the mobility of skilled labour becomes increasingly an important aspect of a wider range of individuals and their families. The relocation to a new country can entail rupturing changes for the whole family, in particular for the accompanying spouse, who can experience a more pronounced alteration of work-family relations. Especially for couples that practiced a dual career model before migration, the change in the experience of time can be very profound for the accompanying partner who moves from being a full-time professional to being a full-time homemaker. Whereas the experience of time for the contracted partner can be highly structured by the employers, a more ambivalent mixture of personal desire, family relations, cultural values and social expectations seem to affect the subjective experience of time for the accompanying spouse. Based on two different studies conducted respectively in China and Switzerland with mobile families, we explore the relational dimension of time as this is experienced, negotiated and practiced by these spouses as a result of the family mobility.