The distribution of discretionary time in Spain

Abstract

This paper applies the ‘discretionary time’ methodology to the Spanish case. Whereas the notion of free time in time-use studies is generally constructed as the remainder once the time dedicated to paid work, domestic work and personal care, respectively, has been subtracted, the notion of discretionary time considers instead the minimum necessary time that is to be dedicated to the above-mentioned groups of activities. By using standards of necessity in place of actual time allocations, it stands as a more accurate approach to temporal autonomy enjoyed by the individuals and, by extension, to their respective personal welfare. In order to unveil existing time-related segmentations in the Spanish society, special emphasis will be put upon the intersections between gender relations and the socioeconomic class.