Post-Fordist Leisure and Work

Abstract

Abstract The main question of this article is how transitions towards a post-Fordist economy influence debates over leisure and work. First, the traditional separation of leisure from work is related to the specific context of a Fordist economy. Next, the concept of post-Fordism is addressed. Conceptual de- differentiation and temporal flexibilization are considered the most important characteristics of post-Fordism as regards debates over leisure and work. Five debates over leisure and work are then distinguished, of which two are further elaborated upon. First, it is illustrated how de-differentiation undermines attempts to separate leisure from work, stressing the need for more contextual analyses. Second, flexibilization is shown to alter debates over time sovereignty by the introduction of the dimension of the temporal location of working time and leisure. The article concludes with suggestions for future research.