What Is the Case for Paid Maternity Leave?

• 成果类型: Article
• 署名作者: Dahl, Gordon B.; Loken, Katrine V.; Mogstad, Magne; Salvanes, Kari Vea
• 署名单位: University of California System; University of California San Diego; University of Bergen; University of Chicago; Statistics Norway; National Bureau of Economic Research; University of Oslo
• 刊物名称: REVIEW OF ECONOMICS AND STATISTICS
• ISSN/ISSBN: 0034-6535
• DOI: 10.1162/REST_a_00602
• 发表日期: 2016-10
• 页码: 655-670
• 关键词: regression discontinuity designs; long-run outcomes; parental leave; UNITED-STATES; childbirth; benefits; taxes

摘要

We assess the case for generous government-funded maternity leave, focusing on a series of policy reforms in Norway that expanded paid leave from 18 to 35 weeks. We find the reforms do not crowd out unpaid leave and that mothers spend more time at home without a reduction in family income. The increased maternity leave has little effect on children's schooling, parental earnings and labor force participation, completed fertility, marriage, or divorce. The expansions, whose net costs amounted to 0.25% of GDP, have negative redistribution properties and imply a considerable increases in taxes at a cost to economic efficiency.