The increase in labor force participation of women, and particularly of mothers from two-parent families, has been accompanied by significant changes in family structures. Although the traditional family is no longer the norm, many social perspectives and policies reflect the belief that it is and do not meet the needs of dual-employed families.…

In the Federal Republic of Germany, as elsewhere, the recent unemployment crisis has forced politicians, economists, trade unionists, and experts to consider a number of courses of action designed to reduce working time. Included among these alternatives are the following: adopting the 35-hour work week, shortening working life through early…