book title. The microeconomy today by Bradley r. schiller

Do we work too hard?

One constraint in our economy is time. As a society, we make choices about the allocation of time between work and other pursuits. In the US, most workers are eligible for overtime pay if they work more than 40 hours a week, whereas most European workers become eligible at 35 hours per week. In addition, workers in Europe have guaranteed vacation time-- five weeks in France-- a benefit not available in the US. As a result the typical US worker puts in about 2000 hours per year compared to 1700 hours per year in France and Germany.

QUESTION: Should US laws be changed to require a shorter work week and longer vacation time?

For each side of the question list three strong arguments. Use the following concepts from the chapter at least once and Bold orunderline the terms. These items should be used in context within your paper. You should be defining them as you explain how it relates to the topic.

1. Economic growth
2. Market failure

IMPORTANT: Paper should have a paragraph arguing YES there should be a shorter work week. The next paragraph argues NO there should not be a shorter work week. Be sure to clearly state in the paper which argument you agree with and why; provide one or two sentences at the end of the paragraph that matches your views. For example if you believe there should be a shorter work week, then at the end of the first paragraph (YES) you need to let the reader know this is your belief and then explain why.