The Balancing Act of Working Mothers and Caring Fathers: Impact of Family Policy on Egalitarianism in Families in Western Democracies

This Open-Access-book explores how egalitarian parental leave policies can support a more balanced division of paid work and caregiving. Introducing a novel analysis grid and a unique dataset, Meret Lütolf examines parental leave policies in five countries – United States, Switzerland, Germany, Finland, and Sweden – revealing how fully paid, non-transferable leave can promote gender-neutral caregiving roles.
Key findings highlight the connection between longer paternal leave and a more equal...