Working Time Preferences in Dual-Earning Households

Abstract

This study analyses actual and preferred household working times in paid employment and the preferred division of paid work between partners in dual-earning households in European Union countries and Norway, using representative Employment Options of the Future data (1998). The study focuses on working time preferences, which have so far received little attention in research. The results indicate that there is a mismatch between the actual and preferred household working time. Overall, at the European level the dual-earning households would like to reduce their working time by twelve hours a week. Actual working time practices impact on preferences, especially regarding the division of paid work between partners. There is a slight preference towards more equal sharing of paid work between partners, although the current gender division between partners within the households seems to be constant.