Preferences for Availability, Lengths of Offerings, and Government Funding of Paternity Leaves in the U.S.

• In Event: 3523 - Family Section Refereed Roundtables
  In Refereed Roundtable (60 min): Table 13: Work-Family Policies

Abstract

This study analyzes 2012 General Social Survey data about public opinion preferences for paid paternity leave availability, lengths of leave offerings, and government funding of leaves. Descriptive results revealed considerable (i.e., 53%) support for leave availability and moderate (i.e., 33%) support for some government funding; yet, there was a preference for only modest (i.e., 5 weeks) lengths of leave offerings. Regression results suggest that gender, parenting role attitudes, and traditionalism shape leave preferences. Overall, the findings contribute to understanding U.S. public opinions about paternity leave offerings and how these preferences both symbolize, and are predicted by, gendered expectations.

Authors

• Chris Knoester, Ohio State University

• Qi Li, The Ohio State University