Researching the Model of Standard Working-Time in Australia: Theoretical Preliminaries

What can be called the ‘model of standard working-time ’ is subject to differing definitions, but it is widely identified with traditional working-time patterns that are now seen as disappearing. This paper introduces a project that will look more closely at the extent and implications of the erosion of the model of standard working-time in Australia. It reviews the existing empirical literature on changing working-time patterns in Australia. In opposition to most definitions of the model of standard working-time, it offers a conceptualisation that is couched in terms of protective regulation and that identifies the model as a package that comprises both a standard and provisions for variation from the standard. The implications of this alternative conceptualisation for empirical research are briefly discussed. Standard working-time is a controversial topic in Australia. What can be called the ‘model of standard working-time ’ is subject to differing definitions, but it is widely identified with traditional working-time patterns that are now seen as disappearing. The model of standard working-time is widely seen as roded- it is argued that a decreasing proportion of employees fit within this model, while an increasing proportion fall outside it. The major disagreemen