Paternity Leave, Religion, and Father Involvement with Children

• In Event: 088 - Regular Session. Family, Work, and Careers

Abstract

Expectations for fathers have changed in recent decades, and fathers are now expected to be more involved in their children’s lives. However, little research has examined policies that would allow fathers to meet the increased demands placed on them. Using data from the NLSY97, this study contributes to this gap in the literature by focusing on the determinants and consequences of paternity leave-taking, examining whether religious fathers are more likely to take paternity leave, whether paternity leave is linked to father involvement, and whether this relationship is moderated by religious participation. Overall, results from this study were mixed. Most new fathers in the NLSY97 did not take paid paternity leave. Results also suggest that weekly religious attendance increases the likelihood of taking a few days of paid paternity leave, but monthly attendance decreases the likelihood of taking 1-2 weeks of paid paternity leave. In addition, although this study provides no evidence linking paternity leave-taking to father involvement, results suggest that religious participation is associated with a higher likelihood of reading and bathing/dressing children daily among fathers who take paternity leave. Future research should continue to focus on the determinants and consequences of paternity leave as well as strategies to increase father engagement in family life more generally.

Author

• Richard J. Petts, Ball State University