Time and a Welfare Approach to Human Geography

Abstract

Smith’s welfare approach to human geography proceeds as if resource distribution is a timeless affair. Although welfare varies in time it also varies because of time. Welfare is suboptimal if needs cannot be met at the moment they arise, for the necessary duration and with the correct frequency. The ability to enhance or maintain welfare or minimise welfare losses by rearranging activities in a daily routine depends on the availability of loosely committed or free time. Other strategies include place-. role- and activity-substitution. Time is a resource, the allocation of which has significant effects on welfare which must be considered in physical and social planning.