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Fathers' parental leave-taking, childcare involvement and mothers' labor market participation

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Discussion Paper No. 11873
Author: 
Tamm, Marcus
Format: 
Article
Publication Date: 
5 Nov 2018

Abstract

This study analyzes the effect of fathers’ parental leave-taking on the time fathers spend with their children and on mothers’ and fathers’ labor supply. Fathers’ leave-taking is highly selective and the identification of causal effects relies on within-father differences in leave-taking for first and higher order children that were triggered by a policy reform promoting more gender equality in leave-taking. Results show that even short periods of fathers’ parental leave may have long-lasting effects on fathers’ involvement in childcare and housework. Effects on maternal labor supply are also significantly positive but do not persist over time. 

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