Abstract:
Much has been written about how space and time are integral to understanding social
relations, in particular about associations between space and understanding learning in
workplaces. Drawing from a research study exploring everydaylearning at work, this paper
looks beyond what is generally understood as work situations by turning to those spaces
and times where 'social' and 'work' overlap, such as breaks in tearooms. These spaces are
not so work orientated that they can be described as 'workspaces', nor are they entirely
social. The nexus between work and the social, of being a worker and a social tieing. of
engaging in legitimate work and socializing are put forward as rich expanses for everyday
learning. The paper draws on interviewsand observational data from four work sites within
one organization. It undertakes an exploration of the intersection of space. time and informal
learning with regard to the social/work spaces located at work. It argues that a key
location for everyday learning at work is at the points of intersection between work and
social spaces and that it is necessary to abandon simplistic dichotomies between work.
social and learning space.
