The temporal reorganization of employment and the household rhythm of work schedules - The implications for gender and class relations

Working-rime arrangements are being restructured across Europe in parallel with the spread of dual-earner arrangements for couples. This article elaborates the different temporal dimensions to the employment relationship, distinguishing between the different dimensions of working-time schedules, work-time intensity and the time-money exchange. This conceptualization is used to draw attention to occupational class, gender, and household differences in the temporal organization of employment illustrated with the example of the United Kingdom. The argument made is that class differences between households must be integrated into analyses of gender inequalities in work time. This is necessary to develop an understanding of the implications of the temporal reorganization of employment and to compare how the outcomes may vary between countries due to societal differences in regulations and political debates.