This article discusses the development and features of part-time work in Spain and Italy to determine, from a descriptive analysis, the factors involved in its growth. The analysis of the part-time growing trend since 2007, emphasizes how such a contract type is serving as a factor of occupational adjustment in the direction of labor flexibility, which is laid down by the recent labor market reforms in both countries. Flexibility does not act as a neutral element, as it affects particularly women. Part-time work, which traditionally presents advantages to a group seeking reconciliation through flexibility, as in Northern Europe countries, seems not to be a totally valid explanation of its progress in Spain and Italy, countries participating in the social and labor policies in the South.
Keywords: Flexibility; Labour Market; Gender; Reconciliation; Labour Policies.