Final answer:
Time discipline or time management is the term that refers to the societal expectation of managing time efficiently with an emphasis on deadlines and schedules. The rapid technological advances and constant information flow contribute to a faster-paced life and can sometimes lead to narcotizing dysfunction, overwhelming individuals with too much input.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term that refers to the perception of time as being a central focus, with deadlines being a crucial element of societal norms, is often associated with time management or time discipline in sociological studies. In contemporary society, people's lives are increasingly governed by time as they set goals that span across lengthy periods and manage everyday responsibilities amidst the rapid flow of information. Societal pressure emphasizes efficiency and productivity, framing time as a valuable resource to be optimized, leading to a culture where adherence to schedules and deadlines is paramount to personal and professional success.
Both in work and leisure, new technologies and media forms impact social identities and relationships, creating a perception of accelerated time. Social theorists, like David Harvey, describe these phenomena as time-space compression, where the intensity and speed of social life increases, driven by the flows of goods, people, and information across the globe. The constant onrush of technology and its fusion into daily life can lead to a phenomenon known as narcotizing dysfunction, where media exposure becomes so overwhelming that it leads to heightened awareness without corresponding action.