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Changes in attitudes towards gender norms following childbirth

Author

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  • Lucas van der Velde

    (Warsaw School of Economics and FAME|GRAPE)

Abstract

While the increase in the gender wage gap following childbirth is well-documented in the literature much less is known about what stands behind this development. This research focuses on one possible channel: changes in attitudes towards gender roles. Using longitudinal data from several European countries, I show that respondents tend to adopt more conservative views following childbearing, particularly in the case of the importance of having a child, and whether men should have priority when jobs are scarce. Moreover, the relation appears to be driven by respondents in countries where women shoulder a bigger share of household chores, and where less formal care is available.

Suggested Citation

  • Lucas van der Velde, 2022. "Changes in attitudes towards gender norms following childbirth," Working Papers 397, Leibniz Institut für Ost- und Südosteuropaforschung (Institute for East and Southeast European Studies).
    • Handle: RePEc:ost:wpaper:397
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    gender norms; child-birth; cross-country comparison; institutions;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • J13 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Fertility; Family Planning; Child Care; Children; Youth
    • J16 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Economics of Gender; Non-labor Discrimination

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