ATUS, abbreviated form of American Time Use Survey, refers to a highly influential data collection project conducted by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The American Time Use Survey gathers information about how individuals aged 15 and above spend their time over a designated 24-hour period. This national survey aims to capture a representative sample of the population's daily activities, providing valuable insights into various aspects of daily life.
ATUS collects comprehensive and highly detailed data on a wide range of human activities, including paid work, household chores, childcare, leisure activities, personal care, and even time spent sleeping. Participants in this survey are asked to report their activities using a time diary, a detailed record of their activities over the day, allowing researchers to analyze various dimensions of time use patterns. The survey also gathers data on demographic characteristics, such as age, gender, educational attainment, and employment status, which further allows for the examination of how time use varies across different sociodemographic groups.
The results of ATUS provide a crucial understanding of contemporary lifestyles, societal trends, and the distribution of time among various activities. Researchers, policymakers, and analysts utilize this data to study and evaluate numerous aspects of daily life, ranging from labor market trends, gender roles, and inequality, to health and well-being, social interactions, and cultural practices. ATUS offers a valuable resource for scholars and policymakers alike to monitor societal changes, make informed decisions, and develop policies that reflect the evolving nature of work and leisure in modern society.
