Work, Rest, and Play: Exploring Trends in Time Allocation in Canada and the United States

Abstract:     
We control for demographic changes to document trends in the allocation of time using time diary data for Canada (1986 to 2005) and the United States (1985 to 2005). We find that (1) in 2005, average weekly hours spent on market work is higher in Canada than in the U.S. (37.29 vs. 33.29), (2) between 1986 and 2005 market work increased by an average of 3.75 hours per week in Canada, but in the U.S. it remained relatively stable, and (3) over the sample period, time spent on leisure generally increased in the U.S., while time spent on leisure fell in Canada. In addition, the least educated enjoy more leisure relative to the most highly educated in both countries. In light of concerns over achieving an appropriate mix of work and family life explaining the divergent time use trends and the policy prescriptions that can follow are important areas for future research.

Number of Pages in PDF File: 40

Keywords: Market Work, Home Production, Leisure, Time Use

JEL Classification: D13, J22, O57

working papers series