Introduction and overview: Understanding working time around the world

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book explores some aspect of the trend toward longer or more differentiated hours, overwork and underemployment, and the “time squeeze�? among many workers in post-industrial countries. It suggests that the level, distribution, and alterations in individuals’ hours of work reflect their responses to trends in wages, inequality, consumerism, or balance of power. The book presents the major trends in working time. It provides alternative theoretical and historical perspectives to analyze these trends and public policies proposed to restructure work either to foster a better balance between work and non-work life or promote employment opportunities. The book explores some commonalities with a “green�? or environmental approach to work: “Shorter working hours with less exploitation of nature extends labour’s century-long struggle for better living conditions�?.