Can a shorter full-time standard working week contribute to gender equality in the labour market? The debate on working time reduction: a gender perspective

This article examines whether a shorter full-time standard working week can promote gender equality in the labour market by reshaping the distribution of paid and care work. Based on an overview of employment rates and working hours in the EU, it shows that, although there are major differences across the EU, women are often employed but disproportionately in part-time positions, resulting in lower earnings and pension entitlements. Using data from the European Working Conditions Survey, it highlights the unequal division of unpaid care and housework between women and men, rooted in persistent traditional gender roles. It also shows that these roles shape working time preferences. Against this background, the article then reviews empirical studies on the impact of shorter full-time standards on the gendered reallocation of care work and paid employment. The findings suggest that while reducing the full-time standard can foster gender equality, its effects depend strongly on institutional frameworks and persistent gender norms.