Shorter Workweek Lengthens Family Time

Hooray for Volkswagen's leading the way to a shorter workweek! (``Public's `Furious Pessimism' Over the Decline in Jobs Spurs Hot Debate in France,'' Nov. 10).

Back in the now-legendary 1950s, married couples often shared one 40-hour-per-week job. He worked the 40 hours and she supplied a clean house, hot meals, child care, and community service.

When women started going to work in increasing numbers, people asked what would happen to the child care, the housework, and the community service, but nobody asked if there would be enough work to go around (even though the postwar '50s lifestyle was built on the assumption that there would not be).

While we continue to fudge on the first question, the '90s economy has answered the unasked second question: There simply isn't a 40-hour-per-week job for everyone who wants or needs one.

A shorter workweek answers both difficulties by simultaneously providing more jobs and more time at home. It may mean less cash for each family, but should also lead to a better quality of life and a more easily attained and sustained equality between the sexes. Kathe Geist, Brookline, Mass.

Your letters are welcome. For publication they must be signed and include your address and telephone number. Only a selection can be published, and none acknowledged. Letters should be addressed to ``Readers Write,'' and can be sent by Internet E-mail (200 word maximum) to OPED@RACHEL.CSPS.COM, by fax to 617-450-2317, or by mail to One Norway St., Boston, MA 02115

You've read 3 of 3 free articles. Subscribe to continue.
QR Code to Shorter Workweek Lengthens Family Time
Read this article in
https://www.csmonitor.com/1993/1215/letter1.html
QR Code to Subscription page
Start your subscription today
https://www.csmonitor.com/subscribe
CSM logo

Why is Christian Science in our name?

Our name is about honesty. The Monitor is owned by The Christian Science Church, and we’ve always been transparent about that.

The Church publishes the Monitor because it sees good journalism as vital to progress in the world. Since 1908, we’ve aimed “to injure no man, but to bless all mankind,” as our founder, Mary Baker Eddy, put it.

Here, you’ll find award-winning journalism not driven by commercial influences – a news organization that takes seriously its mission to uplift the world by seeking solutions and finding reasons for credible hope.

Explore values journalism About us