Skip to content

The more anxious, isolated and time-deprived we are, the…

“The more anxious, isolated and time-deprived we are, the more likely we are to turn to paid personal services. To finance these extra services, we work longer hours. This leaves less time to spend with family, friends and neighbors; we become less likely to call on them for help, and they on us.” quote by Arlie Russell Hochschild
Download Open image
“The more anxious, isolated and time-deprived we are, the more likely we are to turn to paid personal services. To finance these extra services, we work longer hours. This leaves less time to spend with family, friends and neighbors; we become less likely to call on them for help, and they on us.”

Arlie Russell Hochschild

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Modern life’s pressures push people toward paid services, extending work hours and eroding community support networks.

In simple terms: Busy lives lead to buying help, which then reduces time for relationships.

Key Takeaway

Recognize and protect personal time for community.

Themes

work community time service relationships

Mood

anxious reflective

Type

sociological analytical

When to use this quote

  • family gatherings
  • neighbourhood support
  • personal budgeting
  • community events

Key Concepts

social economics work-life balance social capital

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can we restructure work to preserve community time?
  • What low‑cost alternatives exist for support?
A Different Perspective

Reliance on paid services can increase financial stress and reduce personal agency.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Arlie Russell Hochschild

Explore all 74 Arlie Russell Hochschild quotes

More Anxious quotes

Browse all 1,159 Anxious quotes