Work-Family Policies and Gender Inequalities in Childcare Time

Abstract

Work-family policies are promoted to reduce gender inequalities in childcare time. However, the association between work-family policies and childcare time is complicated by the conditions of the policies and how mothers and fathers perform childcare. The authors examine whether three widely discussed work-family policies—paid parental leave, flextime, and flexplace—are associated with reduced gender differences in two dimensions of childcare time: solo versus shared care with a partner and basic versus developmental childcare activities. Using 2017–2018 Leave and Job Flexibilities Module of the American Time Use Survey, this study indicates that gender inequalities in childcare time decrease among parents who have access to paid parental leave or frequently use the flexplace policy, which provide both available time and direct exposure to childcare tasks. Policies with these characteristics also help close gender gaps in solo and basic childcare time that are vital in shaping gender inequalities in society.

Attachment and Identity Formation in Bicultural Families

“…The impact of parenting responsibilities on career advancement was another significant issue, with many parents feeling that their professional growth was hindered by their need to balance work and childcare. This finding aligns with the work of Gao and Ruan (2022), who noted that E-ISSN: 3041-8550 gender inequalities in childcare time can affect career trajectories, particularly for women (Gao & Ruan, 2022).…”

“…Traditional gender roles often result in mothers bearing a disproportionate share of childcare duties, which can exacerbate stress and limit their professional opportunities (Liu & Suh, 2022). However, emerging trends suggest a shift towards more equitable sharing of childcare responsibilities, particularly among younger generations and in dual-income households (Gao & Ruan, 2022).…”

Transition to fatherhood and adjustments in working hours: The importance of organizational policy feedback

“…Prior research related fathers' reductions in working hours after taking parental leave to their increased exposure to child-rearing (e.g., Bünning, 2015). Similarly, using flexiplace after childbirth increases fathers' exposure, at least to some extent, because family and work tasks are done from the same location (Carlson et al, 2021;Ge Gao & Ruan, 2022;Tomei, 2021). Thus, men become more aware of the needs and pleasures of a larger involvement in childrearing and, hence, readjust their time spent in unpaid and paid work by reducing their working hours.…”