Legislating for Equality? Working Hours and Progression in Science Careers

Abstract

Abstract: This article presents some recent research on the progression of women in science careers in five EU Member States—the UK, Italy, Austria, Portugal, and Greece, examining the growing gender pay gap in science careers. It focused on the recruitment and participation of women, but also on their retention and progression. The interviews with scientists highlighted the importance of various dimensions of ‘time‐use’ to an understanding of the progression of women and men in science careers. This article focuses on three dimensions of time: (1) time over the working day; (2) time over the working week; and (3) time over the working year. It describes the typical working schedules of the respondents, the functional use of that time and the particular challenges this presents for scientists with caring responsibilities. The results confirm previous findings1 underlining the importance of working hours in science both to the attractiveness of science careers—and the ability to recruit and retain men and women—and to career progression. Within this context, the article considers the potential of recent European legislation designed to regulate working time (Council Directive 93/104) to create a more level playing field and improve the progression of women in science.