Платените отпуски за отглеждане на дете в международна сравнителна перспектива - политики и ползваемост
Paid Childcare Leave in an International Comparative Perspective – Policies and Uptake

Author(s): Elitsa Dimitrova
Subject(s): Politics / Political Sciences, Politics, Law, Constitution, Jurisprudence, Sociology, Welfare systems, Family and social welfare, Labour and Social Security Law
Published by: Университет за национално и световно стопанство (УНСС)
Keywords: maternity leave; paternity leave; paid parental leave; policies on paid parental leave; regulation of childcare leave; international comparative analysis
Summary/Abstract: Paid childcare leave (maternity, paternity, and paid parental leave) is a key mechanism that provides parents (primarily mothers) with the opportunity to care for their children while temporarily interrupting their employment, with a guaranteed right to return to their workplace. The article presents an overview of the main principles in the policies of contemporary European societies regarding childcare leaves, as well as an analysis of data related to their utilization. Policies in European countries vary widely in terms of the regulation of access, duration, compensation, and flexibility in the use of paid childcare leave. These differences are determined by the cultural characteristics of societies, gender role models in the public and private spheres, public spending in support of families, the specifics of labor markets, employment and income levels, the availability of early childhood care services, and other factors. These characteristics also shape access and uptake levels among different social groups of parents, as well as the flexibility in how the leave is used.

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