Julie Le Vot

(BxSE)

Parental Leave Policy and Gender Attitudes

Abstract:
We investigate whether paid maternity leave is associated with changes in mothers’ attitudes on gender roles following childbirth. Using data from the Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) survey and exploiting the 2011 Paid Parental Leave reform, we compare changes in gender attitudes following childbirth among women who gave birth before and after the reform. The reform introduced 18 weeks of government-funded parental leave for the primary caregiver, whereas prior to 2011, only unpaid leave was available nationally. Our findings indicate that mothers exposed to the reform become less traditional after childbirth, mitigating the typical post-birth shift toward traditional gender norms. These attitudinal changes are also associated with higher maternal return-to-work rates and hours worked in the year following birth. Potential mechanisms include the financial support during leave, acknowledgment of women’s dual roles as caregivers and workers, and the reinforcement of employer-employee relationships throughout the leave period. Overall, the study highlights how family policies can shape gender norms and influence labor market behaviors.

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