ABSTRACT
This chapter looks at the historical dynamics of service provision from a rather unusual perspective - the change in patterns of time use. It discusses a mechanism whereby activity patterns in 'the economy'may be accounted for in terms of time rather than money, and shows how this form of economic activity is associated with other extra-economic' sorts of productive and leisure activities. It presents time-budget data, from a number of different developed economies, showing historical changes in time allocation patterns, and relates these to more conventional indicators of economic structure. The conventional time budget shows the individual's allocation of his or her own time to a range of activities - perhaps some paid work, some unpaid work in the home, some leisure activities, some sleep and personal care. The notion of 'chains of provision' provides a straightforward basis for such a system of socio-economic accounts which includes consumption time and unpaid work as well as employment.
