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Beliefs About Maternal Labor Supply

Author

Listed:
  • Teodora Boneva

    (University of Bonn)

  • Marta Golin

    (University of Zurich)

  • Katja Kaufmann

    (Bayreuth University)

  • Christopher Rauh

    (University of Cambridge)

Abstract

We provide representative evidence on the perceived returns to maternal labor supply. A mother's decision to work is perceived to have sizable impacts on child skills, family outcomes, and the mother's future labor market outcomes. Beliefs about the impact of additional household income can account for some, but not all, of the perceived positive effects. Perceived returns are predictive of labor supply intentions under different policy scenarios related to childcare availability and quality, two factors that are also perceived as important. An information experiment reveals that providing information about benefits of mothers working causally affects labor supply intentions.

Suggested Citation

  • Teodora Boneva & Marta Golin & Katja Kaufmann & Christopher Rauh, 2024. "Beliefs About Maternal Labor Supply," ECONtribute Discussion Papers Series 300, University of Bonn and University of Cologne, Germany.
    • Handle: RePEc:ajk:ajkdps:300
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Subjective expectations; maternal labor supply; childcare; child penalties;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • J22 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Time Allocation and Labor Supply
    • J13 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Fertility; Family Planning; Child Care; Children; Youth
    • I26 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Returns to Education

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