PAGE · Paternity leave and the gender gap in pay and earnings

Paternity leave and the gender gap in pay and earnings

The project examines the impacts on inequality in society (gender inequality and social inequality) of two types of family policy: paid parental leave and early childhood education and care (ECEC). The main project looks at paid parental leave: Q1 asks whether differences in the monthly benefit amounts can impact on gender inequality in earnings in couples in Germany. The gender pay is understood to be largely a motherhood penalty. Upon entering parenthood mother earnings drop enormously whereas fathers do not. Therefore policymakers look to parental leave policy as a potential level for addressing earnings inequalities between genders. The project examines the whether changes to the benefit amount for mothers (or fathers) may change the division of parental leave with potentially long term impacts on careers paths, and important policy implications. Three additional projects look at ECE. Research shows that attendance can improve early childhood development measured by cognitive and non-cognitive skills that are strongly predictive of later life outcomes such as earnings. Previous studies have shown that these beneficial effects are greatest for children from less advantaged backgrounds. As such ECEC programmes have the potential to reduce social inequalities by addressing imbalances early on. Q2 asks why children from less advantaged background have lower enrolment rates in ECEC. Such enrolment gaps are well documented across many countries and stand in the way of ECEC addressing social inequalities. I examine whether it is differences in demand by parents, or differences in accessibility that explain the gap. The results aim to have important implications for the design of ECEC policy. Q3 asks if ECEC enrolment impacts the quantity and quality of time spent together with parents in the home environment. This questions address the reasons why ECEC is beneficial for child development. Previous research has put the focus on the learning environment in the institution, however, this project looks at impacts on the home environment as an alternative mechanism. A better understanding of the mechanisms for observed child development effects can help improve ECEC design. Finally, Q4 look at ECEC (and school) closures resulting from the Covid-19 pandemic and how they impacted on the gender division of child care and housework in families.

Текст от CORDIS, на английски · Данни: CORDIS, © Европейски съюз