phases of the age; aspects of the times
Refers to the characteristic features, trends, or phases of a particular era or period. Often used in historical or sociological contexts.
This novel vividly depicts the phases of the Meiji era.
Compound of 時代 (jidai, 'era, period') and 相 (sō, 'aspect, phase'). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the combination naturally yields the meaning 'phases of an age'.