Background
The FAIRLEAVE project
Methodology
Expected results
Background
Until 2017, paternity leave in Spain was only two weeks. Following the reforms in paternity leave between 2017 and 2021, fathers are entitled to 16 weeks paid paternity leave, exactly the same as mothers. This is one of the most generous paternity leave in Europe.
The extension of paternity leave had a double objective. Firstly, it aimed to encourage fathers’ participation in care responsibilities and, secondly, to facilitate the earlier return of mothers to employment. In other words, the extension of paternity leave aims to reduce the gender gap, both within the home and in the labor market.
The FAIRLEAVE project
Longer paternity leave, fairer labor markets? Evidence of the paternity leave reform in 2021 in Spain (FAIRLEAVE).
FAIRLEAVE offers a first evaluation of the impact that this extension of paternity leave has had on the gender gap inside and outside the home. Specifically, we will focus on analyzing the distribution of care between mothers and fathers before and after the reforms, as well as the possible changes in attitudes regarding gender roles that may have occurred. We will also analyze the return to work of mothers before and after the extension of paternity leave.
In addition to analyzing the effects of the reforms on paternity leave, our project also aims to assess access to paternity leave, especially among fathers who do not have a stable job. There have already been cases of companies that have fired parents who had shown their intention to take the longest paternity leave (https://www.eldiario.es/economia/despido-nulo-condena-6-251-euros- fire-worker-was-going-to-take-paternity-leave_1_8796837.html). The issue of access to permits is even more relevant with its expansion. Our project seeks to analyze whether working conditions, and the fear of losing one’s job, are an impediment to being able to taking full leave.
Methodology
To analyze the effects of the reforms and access to paternity leave, we have carried out the first wave of a longitudinal survey aimed at mothers and fathers in Spain, who were before and after the extension of paternity leave. The survey investigates the distribution of care between mothers and fathers before and after the reforms, as well as attitudes towards gender roles.
Expected results
Our project aims to influence public policy-making through an empirical and rigorous analysis capable of answering the following questions of political and social relevance: Has the extension of paternity leave served to distribute, in a more equal way, the care responsibilities between mothers and fathers? Has it facilitated the reintegration of women into the labor market?
FAIRLEAVE will advance scientific knowledge on the impacts of parental leave and will also generate recommendations that can inform public policy-making processes.