The Myth of Increasing Non-Work vs. Work Activities

Abstract

The promised decrease of the average workweek below the present 40 hours is a myth. Three recent trends in the labor force are examined in terms of their impact on an expected increase in overtime and dual-jobholding rates: (1) changes in management philosophy and practice toward more job enrichment, (2) the increased participation of females, and (3) the increasing proportion of the labor force employed in the relatively inefficient service occupations. The author predicts a future increase in overtime among select occupations and a general rise in dual-jobholding families. In short, for those who are able to work and choose to do so, they will probably choose more of it. Moreover, the next major historical era that will substantially alter the distribution of work and non-work activities will probably consist of “counter-work cultures” that will seek to legitimize a new series of alternative value systems for the use of human time.