The Working week reference article from the English Wikipedia on 24-Apr-2004
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Working week

Time you got around to sponsoring a child
Since the 19th century various administrations have tried to curb some of the enthusiasm of capitalist entrepreneurs by limiting the standard working week. This has resulted in a hotch-potch of regulations in different countries, with various interactions with differing work ethics and different rates of national productivity.

The term "40-hour week" has (or had) particular resonance in British Commonwealth countries.

The recent introduction of a 35-hour working week in France caused some initial controversy.