Question

Read the paper entitled "Maternity and Family Leave Policy" by

Maya-Rossin Slater (2017).
1. In your own words, describe the current maternity/parental
leave landscape across the World. Specifically, describe the benefits that parents receive while on leave, as well as how maternity leave benefits are funded across the World.
2. The paper focuses on studies looking at the impact of maternity/parental leave on women’s labor market outcomes and children’s well-being. Pick the topic of women’s labor market outcomes and discuss in your own words why and how we think maternity/parental leave would affect these outcomes. Do not discuss findings from empirical studies in this question. Just discuss why and how in theory these outcomes would be affected.
3. For the topic you picked in question 2, summarize in your own words the findings from empirical studies on this topic.

Answer 1

Maternity and parental leave policies vary across the world, with some countries offering longer and more generous leave benefits than others. In theory, maternity/parental leave can positively impact women's labor market outcomes by allowing them to recover from childbirth, bond with their newborns, and return to work when ready. Empirical studies have shown that maternity/parental leave policies have positive effects on women's employment rates, wages, career prospects, and children's well-being.

Step-by-step explanation:

Maternity/Parental Leave Landscape Across the World

Maternity and parental leave policies vary across the world. In countries like Sweden, parents can receive up to 480 days of subsidized time off work, with the option to share the paid leave between mothers and fathers. Other countries, like the United States, do not have a mandated paid leave policy for new parents. Instead, they rely on state and local laws, if available, or unpaid leaves of absence.

Impact of Maternity/Parental Leave on Women's Labor Market Outcomes

In theory, maternity/parental leave can affect women's labor market outcomes by providing them with the opportunity to recover from childbirth, bond with their newborns, and return to work when they are physically and emotionally ready. It can also help reduce gender discrimination in the workplace by normalizing the idea of men taking time off to care for their children, which may lead to a more equal distribution of household and childcare responsibilities between men and women.

Findings from Empirical Studies on Women's Labor Market Outcomes

Empirical studies have shown that maternity/parental leave policies have positive effects on women's labor market outcomes. These policies can increase employment rates among women, reduce the gender wage gap, and improve women's career prospects. They can also have long-term benefits for children's well-being, as mothers who have access to paid leave are more likely to breastfeed and engage in early childhood development activities. Overall, maternity/parental leave policies play a crucial role in supporting women's economic empowerment and promoting gender equality in the labor market.