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Measuring the Generosity of Parental Leave Policies

Author

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  • Adeline Otto

    (Centre for Sociological Research, KU Leuven, Belgium)

  • Alzbeta Bártová

    (Centre for Sociological Research, KU Leuven, Belgium)

  • Wim Van Lancker

    (Centre for Sociological Research, KU Leuven, Belgium)

Abstract

In order to investigate and compare welfare states or specific welfare programmes, scientists, opinion‐makers and politicians rely on indicators. As many of the concepts or objects studied are somewhat abstract, these indicators can often only be approximations. In comparative welfare‐state research, scholars have suggested several approximating indicators to quantitatively measure and compare the generosity of public welfare provision, with a special focus on cash benefits. These indicators include social spending, social rights and benefit receipt. We present these indicators systematically, and critically discuss how suitable they are for comparing the generosity of parenting leave policies in developed welfare states. Subsequently, we illustrate how the operationalisation of leave generosity by means of different indicators can lead to different rankings, interpretations and qualifications of countries. Hence, indicator choices have to be considered carefully and suitably justified, depending on the actual research interest.

Suggested Citation

  • Adeline Otto & Alzbeta Bártová & Wim Van Lancker, 2021. "Measuring the Generosity of Parental Leave Policies," Social Inclusion, Cogitatio Press, vol. 9(2), pages 238-249.
    • Handle: RePEc:cog:socinc:v9:y:2021:i:2:p:238-249
    DOI: 10.17645/si.v9i2.3943
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Tine Hufkens & Tim Goedemé & Katrin Gasior & Chrysa Leventi & Kostas Manios & Olga Rastrigina & Pasquale Recchia & Holly Sutherland & Natascha Van Mechelen & Gerlinde Verbist, 2019. "The Hypothetical Household Tool (HHoT) in EUROMOD: a new instrument for comparative research on tax-benefit policies in Europe," International Journal of Microsimulation, International Microsimulation Association, vol. 12(3), pages 68-85.
    2. Olivier Thévenon, 2011. "Family Policies in OECD Countries: A Comparative Analysis," Population and Development Review, The Population Council, Inc., vol. 37(1), pages 57-87, March.
    3. Angela Luci-Greulich & Olivier Thévenon, 2013. "The Impact of Family Policies on Fertility Trends in Developed Countries," European Journal of Population, Springer;European Association for Population Studies, vol. 29(4), pages 387-416, November.
    4. Chiara Pronzato, 2009. "Return to work after childbirth: does parental leave matter in Europe?," Review of Economics of the Household, Springer, vol. 7(4), pages 341-360, December.
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    Cited by:

    1. Sonja Blum & Ivana Dobrotić, 2021. "The Inclusiveness of Social Rights: The Case of Leave Policies," Social Inclusion, Cogitatio Press, vol. 9(2), pages 222-226.

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