Gender Attitudes and Labour Market Trajectories: Parental Leave and Work-Life Balance Among First-Time Mothers

• In Event: 20814 - Workplace Support, Gender Norms, and Work-Family Balance in Policy and Practice

Abstract

This study examines how first-time mothers navigate parental leave, return-to-work decisions, and evolving gender role attitudes. While discussions on the future of work focus on technological changes, the transition to motherhood remains a key factor shaping women’s labour market participation. Findings suggest that some women reassess their gender role attitudes after childbirth, particularly regarding maternal caregiving in the early years. While many enter motherhood with egalitarian views, some later emphasize the mother’s role in infant care, though others maintain their pre-birth perspectives. The study also highlights diverse work re-entry patterns, shaped by financial stability, career flexibility, and external support. Some women return to full-time work quickly, while others delay re-entry or transition gradually. Women with economic security have greater agency, while those in precarious situations often return sooner than desired. A key finding is the role of supportive parental leave policies in enabling women to balance work and caregiving. Policies allowing gradual workforce reintegration help women maintain their professional identity while caring for their child. These findings contribute to debates on work-family balance and the role of policies in shaping employment trajectories, highlighting that caregiving remains central to women’s career decisions.

Author

• Vilma Razauskiene, Lithuanian Centre for Social Sciences