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Extended maternity leave and children's long‐term development

Author

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  • Luc Behaghel
  • Maria Florencia Pinto

Abstract

Countries around the world are increasingly expanding legal maternity leaves, with the dual objective of protecting mothers' jobs during their recovery after childbirth and enhancing child development. Using exhaustive census data, we find that a three‐year paid leave in France had zero average effects on children's long‐term schooling achievement, and no detectable impact heterogeneity. The lack of positive effects on children adds to the case against a policy that has strong adverse effects on mothers' careers.

Suggested Citation

  • Luc Behaghel & Maria Florencia Pinto, 2024. "Extended maternity leave and children's long‐term development," Scandinavian Journal of Economics, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 126(2), pages 224-253, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:scandj:v:126:y:2024:i:2:p:224-253
    DOI: 10.1111/sjoe.12551
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Natalia Danzer & Victor Lavy, 2018. "Paid Parental Leave and Children's Schooling Outcomes," Economic Journal, Royal Economic Society, vol. 128(608), pages 81-117, February.
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