Free Time

by Julie L. Rose

Recent debates about inequality have focused almost exclusively on the distribution of wealth and disparities in income, but little notice has been paid to the distribution of free time. Free time is commonly assumed to be a matter of personal preference, a good that one chooses to have more or less of. Even if there is unequal access to free time, the cause and solution are presumed to lie with the resources of income and wealth. In Free Time , Julie Rose argues that these views are fundamentally mistaken. First, Rose contends that free time is a resource, like money, that one needs in order to pursue chosen ends. Further, realizing a just distribution of income and wealth is not sufficient to ensure a fair distribution of free time. Because of this, anyone concerned with distributive justice must attend to the distribution of free time.

On the basis of widely held liberal principles, Rose explains why citizens are entitled to free time―time not committed to meeting life's necessities and instead available for chosen pursuits. The novel argument that the just society must guarantee all citizens their fair share of free time provides principled grounds to address critical policy choices, including work hours regulations, Sunday closing laws, public support for caregiving, and the pursuit of economic growth.

Delving into an original topic that touches everyone, Free Time demonstrates why all citizens have, in the words of early labor reformers, a right to "hours for what we will."

Genres: Philosophy, Politics, Economics, Labor

184 pages, Hardcover

Published November 8, 2016

Reviews

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

First of all, the length of time it took for me to finish this book should not reflect on the book itself. I first borrowed it as an ebook through my university library, but I have a hard time with ebooks and I went months without reading any of it. Only recently did I find a print version at my university library, and finally finished the book.

And I’m so glad I did. Free Time is a philosophical exploration of free time as a resource, not a specific good, and looks at several different ways society could define “free time” and the strengths and limitations of each of theses definitions. Rose goes on to discuss possible policy measures that could “equalize” free time access while also preserving human autonomy, rights to association, etc.

Overall it’s a great introduction to a very complex topic, and I’m sure I’ll be revisiting this book again.

[Luke V · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't realize I was getting a philosophical treatise when I checked this book out, but I'm glad I did. Was fascinating to read a rigorous philosophical argument that was also accessible... though I'm not sure I got all of it, the premise -- that all people deserve some amount of free time, and it should be treated the same way as other resources (such as income), rather than as a specific good -- was clear. Implications for federal work policies (eg, maximum hours, restrictions on Sunday business) are proposed.

[Sarah left GR]

Interview with the author on Innovation Hub:

https://www.pri.org/programs/innovati...

[Mills College Library]

174 R7967 2016