Attitudes about Paid Parental Leave: A Cross-national Analysis

• In Event: 2266 - Family Section Roundtables (1 hour)
  In Refereed Roundtable 60min: 18. Parental Leave and Family-Friendly Policies: Comparative Perspectives

Abstract

Using data from 20,954 respondents from 22 different OECD countries, this study uses hierarchical linear modeling (HLM) to investigate the patterns and predictors of support for paid parental leave availability, preferred lengths of paid parental leave, and government funding for leaves. Taking a gender perspective, we focus on the salience of gendered (parenting) expectations, family-related strains and ideations, and unpaid work burdens in predicting support for paid leave availability. The findings indicate high levels of support for paid leave availability, relatively long paid leaves, and government funding of parental leave across OECD countries. Also, we find that over 90% of respondents express a desire for paid parental leave lengths that are about one month, or more, different than the extant paid leave policy in their country. Women, and those with more unpaid work burdens and family-related strains and ideations, are especially likely to endorse paid parental leave opportunities. We also find extensive evidence that multidimensional gendered family attitudes about (male) breadwinning, separate spheres, and intensive mothering combine to predict support for paid parental leave availability, desired lengths of leave, and government funding of leaves, in unique ways. Overall, these results suggest widespread support for paid parental leave, the significance of gendered (parenting) expectations, and a perceived need for modifying paid parental leave opportunities. The findings of this study may be used to recognize and anticipate appropriate paid parental leave modifications.

Authors

• Chris Knoester, Ohio State University

• Qi Li, The Ohio State University

• Richard J. Petts, Ball State University