The research presents multiple objectives, allowing for a comprehensive analysis of the relationship between ECEC services and women’s employment. The project presents both quantitative and qualitative aspects. On the quantitative side, the project will investigate the statistical relationship between the provision of childcare for children under three years of age and women’s labour market participation in the Italian provinces. The statistical model will cluster the provinces based on similarities in the relation between ECEC levels and women’s labour market participation. Additionally, the model will predict the extent to which we should expect a positive return on investment in childcare (increasing provision) in terms of higher women’s labour market participation at the provincial level.
The qualitative aspects of the research revolve around the development of two qualitative urban case studies, specifically in Milan and Barcelona. These two cities differ in the model of provision of childcare services: Barcelona presents a full public approach, in contrast with the public funding of private services displayed in Milan. These two approaches will be compared in terms of availability, affordability and quality of ECEC services.
Summary of the work packages
WP1. Sistematic Literature Review
WP1’s main objective is the development of a systematic literature review (SLR) on the impact of ECEC on women’s work. The SLR will follow the approach of PRISMA-P and will review the empirical evidence and the methodological approaches in the literature.
WP2 Bayesian Statistical Models
WP2’s main objective is the development of a Bayesian regression model for areal data. The model will cluster Italian provinces, i.e., it will group provinces where ECEC services have a similar impact on women’s participation in the labour market. Finally, the model will also provide predictions on the level of women’s employment given specific levels of ECEC covariates.
WP3 Case Studies
WP3 is devoted to the analysis of two case studies, exploring the (opposite) management models by which Barcelona and Milan have promoted their ECEC expansion in recent decades. In Milan, the growth of ECEC in the city has been achieved by externalising part of the service to publicly funded private nurseries. On the other hand, Barcelona’s ECEC services are publicly managed through a municipal agency.
WP4 Policy Recommendations
WP4 summarises the technical findings of #GROW into straightforward language to develop a policy recommendation report for local and national policymakers. Within this WP, we will organise a bottom-up laboratory to discuss policy recommendations with relevant stakeholders.
WP5 Project Management
WP5 establishes the internal coordination of the research teams in UAB and Polimi. It schedules periodic meetings to evaluate the roadmap of #GROW. There will be three in-person meetings in Milan and Barcelona to monitor the project progression.
WP6 Communication & Dissemination
WP6 will ensure the academic, policy and dissemination outputs reach the target audiences throughout the duration of the project. This WP articulates through scientific journal publications, a social media communication strategy, and an online interactive platform to disseminate the project’s results.