Final answer:
In 2002, Americans worked on average more hours than their counterparts in Japan, Britain, and Germany, with some estimates suggesting a 250 to 300-hour difference yearly, equivalent to six to seven fewer weeks of work for Europeans.
Step-by-step explanation:
In 2002, the average American worked many hours compared to their counterparts in other countries. While a standard full-time job implies a 40-hour work week for 50 weeks a year, totaling 2,000 hours per year, Americans often exceed this amount. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2013, U.S. workers averaged 38.5 hours per week, which included part-time workers. For full-time workers only, the average was 42.5 hours per week. However, this can vary significantly, with some working less and others more.
When comparing the average annual hours worked by Americans to those worked by individuals in other countries such as Japan, the United Kingdom (British workers), and Germany, there is a notable 250 to 300 hour difference. This gap equates to about six to seven fewer weeks of work per year for the Germans or the French compared to Americans. These differences spark debates among economists regarding whether this is due to a preference for more work by Americans and Japanese or if it relates to taxes and regulations that reduce working hours in Germany, among other factors. The contrast in working hours is also significant when viewed in historical context, considering that in the late 19th century, the average work week in the United States exceeded 60 hours, offering almost no time for leisure activities.