Countries with short workweeks consistently top gender' equality rankings. The central issue is achieving a more equitable distribution of work.

The quote by Rutger Bregman emphasizes the connection between short workweeks and higher levels of gender equality. He points out that nations where people work fewer hours often rank among the top in terms of equitable treatment of men and women. The reasoning behind this is that shorter working hours allow for a fairer distribution of work, both in the workplace and at home, making it easier for women to balance careers with family responsibilities and for men to take on more domestic duties.

The origin of this statement comes from Bregman’s broader advocacy for utopian ideas in economics and society, which he presents in his writings such as Utopia for Realists. As a Dutch historian and author, Bregman has argued that innovations like the universal basic income, open borders, and reduced working hours can lead to more just, sustainable, and equal societies. This particular quote reflects his focus on how labor structures reinforce or challenge systemic inequalities.

By linking workweek length with gender equality, Bregman highlights how social policies directly affect cultural norms and personal lives. In countries with long workweeks, women are often disproportionately burdened by the “double shift” of professional duties and household chores, while men remain less engaged in family care. Shorter workweeks help dismantle these imbalances, creating conditions where equality is more achievable.

Ultimately, Bregman’s message is that true equality requires not only legal protections or cultural change but also systemic reforms in how work is organized. By advocating for a more equitable distribution of work, he suggests that societies can create environments where both men and women have the time and opportunity to contribute equally in all spheres of life. This perspective ties economic reform directly to social justice.