Attitudes About Paid Parental Leave in the U.S.

• In Event: 4437 - Work, Family, and Inequality in the US and Europe

Abstract

Paid parental leave offerings in the U.S. are relatively rare and unequal; the U.S. is unique in not guaranteeing paid parental leave. Yet, little is known about how this policy context is linked to public opinions, and the factors that distinguish attitudes about paid parental leave. This study analyzes attitudes about paid parental leave availability, preferred lengths of paid leave offerings, and government funding of leave in the U.S. Data come from the 2012 General Social Survey (GSS) and the sample contains 1,189 individuals. Responses about parental leave availability, preferred lengths of leave offerings, and government funding of leave were analyzed descriptively and with logistic and OLS regression techniques. Results indicate overwhelming support (i.e., about 80% of respondents) for paid parental leave availability, an average preference for around four months of paid leave offerings, and substantial support (i.e., about 50% of respondents) for at least some government funding for leaves. Women, racial/ethnic minorities, those with more egalitarian gender attitudes, and those who were not working in paid labor were most supportive of generous paid parental leave offerings. Older and more politically conservative individuals were consistently less supportive of paid parental leave availability, longer lengths of leave, and government funding of leave. These findings reflect current political dynamics whereby popular policy initiatives are not put into practice and suggest that change is needed among the political and economic elites, if paid parental leave policies are to be instituted at the national level.

Authors

• Qi Li, The Ohio State University

• Chris Knoester, Ohio State University

• Richard J. Petts, Ball State University