Allocation of Family Leaves in Different Families and the Family Leave Reforms
The use of paternity leave (father’s quota) aiming for independent child care and taken after parental leave increased significantly after the 2013 parental leave reform. However, only about 45 per cent of fathers use this part of paternity leave and only 43 per cent of fathers who have taken paternity leave use the leave in full.
The research project examines the allocation of family leaves in families with children and the factors linked to this by using both register data and survey data. A particular area of interest is the fathers’ use of family leaves and obstacles to using family leave. The study produces information on the impacts of the 2022 family leave reform on families with children.
We examine the impacts of the family leave reform that entered into force in August 2022 on the use of parental leaves by fathers and the sharing of leaves in families. We investigate socio-economic and regional differences in how fathers use the leaves. (Sub-project 1). The examinations are also targeted at different family forms, such as families with parents of the same sex. The family leave rights of same-sex couples have been gradually extended in the 2000s, but it was not until 2017 that same-sex couples received exactly the same rights to family leaves as different-sex couples. (Sub-project 2). In the project, we also use survey data to examine how fathers’ values in life, attitudes and perceptions of gender roles are linked to fathers’ use of parental leaves and their intentions to use parental leave. Is the change that has taken place in paternity reflected in the link between attitudes and the use of family leaves? (Sub-project 3).
Researchers
- Anneli Miettinen, Leading Researcher
- Miia Saarikallio
- Ella Sihvonen
Project Implementation Period
1.12.2021–31.12.2026
