Abstract
We investigate the aggregate-level effects of parental leave legislation on various
labour market outcomes of women in 16 European countries for the period since
1970. The paper updates and extends previous findings in the literature. Results
show increases in participation rates that diminish with length and generosity of
leave schemes. While pure participation numbers may not increase as dramatically
as hoped, there is strong evidence of increases in weekly working hours. On the
flipside, decreases in wages for high-skilled workers and amplified occupational
segregation are likely results of generous leave schemes. We conclude with a
discussion of recent debates over extending minimum maternity and parental leave
rights on the European level.
labour market outcomes of women in 16 European countries for the period since
1970. The paper updates and extends previous findings in the literature. Results
show increases in participation rates that diminish with length and generosity of
leave schemes. While pure participation numbers may not increase as dramatically
as hoped, there is strong evidence of increases in weekly working hours. On the
flipside, decreases in wages for high-skilled workers and amplified occupational
segregation are likely results of generous leave schemes. We conclude with a
discussion of recent debates over extending minimum maternity and parental leave
rights on the European level.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Place of Publication | Utrecht |
| Publisher | UU USE Tjalling C. Koopmans Research Institute |
| Number of pages | 29 |
| Publication status | Published - 2011 |
Publication series
| Name | Discussion Paper Series / Tjalling C. Koopmans Research Institute |
|---|---|
| No. | 09 |
| Volume | 11 |
| ISSN (Electronic) | 2666-8238 |
Keywords
- Parental leave
- gender gap
- labour force participation
- wages
