The new economy and the work–life balance: a case study of new media In Brighton and Hove

Given the varied claims made about the new economy and its implications for the organization of work and life this paper explores how the new media sector has materialized and been experienced by people working in Brighton and Hove, a new media hub. New technologies and patterns of working allow the temporal and spatial boundaries of paid work to be extended, potentially allowing more people, especially those with caring responsibilities, to become involved, possibly leading to a reduction in gender inequality. This paper, based on 55 in depth interviews with new media owners, managers and some employees in small and micro enterprises evaluates this claim. Reference is made to the gender differentiated patterns of ownership and earnings; flexible working patterns, long hours and homeworking and to whether these working patterns are compatible with a work life balance. The results indicate that gender imbalance is being reproduced rather than challenged in this emerging sector of the new economy.

Format: Article