In this article, Durkheim's theory of time will be assessed in reference to his theory of transactions (organic solidarity). Specifically, Durkheim associated time with a metaphorical conception of the transaction that separated (1) macrofoundations from microstates, and (2) external constraints from subjective states. This separation led to a conception of time as dominated by linear, rigid sequential, and categorical images. Counterposed to this metaphor are more dynamic, interpersonal, and cybernetic conceptions of temporality and transactions, which can be integrated with Durkheim's scheme to suggest another way of bridging the micro-macro distinction-through the use of time and temporality. This integration will be discussed in relation to five conceptions of time that will, in turn, be used to evaluate and critique Durkheim's macrofoundations. These conceptions are: (1) the evolutionarytransformational, (2) the categorical, (3) the iterative, (4) the rigid sequential, and ( 5 ) the negotiated sequential. The article concludes by suggesting that Durkheim's emphasis on the rigid sequential conception can inform and be informed by modernday emphases on iterative and negotiated sequential conceptions.Although Durkheim did not make time an explicit feature of his theory of society, his contributions are well documented. Sorokin and Merton (1937), for instance, wrote that Durkheim linked institutionalized systems of time with societal transactions' or patterns of association involving exchange, reciprocity, and collective sentiments (see Durkheim 1961a, pp. 10-1 1). Zerubavel (1979) also noted that Durkheim's appreciation of the sociological importance of "temporal segregation [as a] fundamental principle.. . of social life" (p. 39) can be used to separate particular contexts that encase transactions (e.g., sacred versus profane). Further, the use of an institutionalized calendar delineates, isolates, and institutionalizes particular days, months, and years, and promotes shared understandings of the functional complexity of social (organic) solidarity, upon which complex transactions are founded (Cheal 1984;Hinkle 1976;Jones 1986). In this way, Durkheim's contributions to a sociology of time have been used to portray societal transactions in the image of enduring macrosocial structures. All rights of reproduction in any form reserved. ISSN: 00384253 3 68 THE SOCIOLOGICAL QUARTERLY Vol. 28/No. 311 987Using Durkheim's contributions to integrate interpersonal with structural transactions is problematic, however, and will be the central focus of this article. Durkheim encouraged understanding of complex transactions representing macrostructures, but seriously underplayed ongoing, emergent, and everyday transactions (Giddens 197 1, 1972; Hinkle 1976; Kemper 1975). The importance of a transaction was not viewed in terms of how interactants exchanged symbols (and thus constructed a temporal reality), but rather in terms of how institutionalized symbols as represented by macrosociological time defined exchanges. His maj...