For what and for whom do you need more time?

The authors conducted an exploratory secondary analysis of 1434 subjects taken from the 1989 USA General Social Survey. The focus of inquiry was what people in various social roles and role configurations would spend more time on if they had an opportunity to do so. Would they choose to spend more time on paid work, housework, family, friends, leisure or relaxation? The authors hypothesize that particular roles and role configurations influence ideal time allocation and time pressure. Worker, parent and spouse roles were analyzed separately and in conjunction with the gender role. T-tests were computed for comparisons of means between groups. Particular roles and role configurations did influence ideal time allocation, but time differential pressure by men and women in selected roles was not confirmed.