Time-rich, fast and in place – rural rhythms of families in the Swedish North

In this article, I discuss how families living in remote rural settings of northwestern Sweden construct and maintain a sense of place through different ways of relating to time in their everyday lives. The study introduces ‘time-richness’ as a timescape, describing the balance between calm rhythms and fast-paced activities that enhance participants’ perceptions of ‘being in the right place’. It is suggested that there is a resistance among rural inhabitants against temporal hierarchies in society that are based on urban norms. This paper contributes to discussions on spatial justice, place identity, and the temporal aspects of rural childhoods. It highlights the interconnections between time, space, and place in shaping rural experiences, with a focus on the distinct challenges and opportunities offered by specific locations.