Paid Leave for Fathers: Policy, Practice, and Reform

Y Tony Yang; Sherrie Flynt Wallington; Stephanie Morain

doi:10.1111/1468-0009.12590

Paid Leave for Fathers: Policy, Practice, and Reform

Milbank Q. 2022 Dec;100(4):973-990. doi: 10.1111/1468-0009.12590. Epub 2022 Dec 1.

Authors

Y Tony Yang¹, Sherrie Flynt Wallington², Stephanie Morain³

Affiliations

¹ Center for Health Policy and Media Engagement, School of Nursing, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, DC, United States.
² School of Nursing, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, DC, United States.
³ Johns Hopkins Berman Institute of Bioethics, Baltimore, MD, United States.

Abstract

Policy Points Government policies that secure paid leave for all parents, regardless of gender, can reduce structural inequalities, while promoting fathers' engagement in parenting. Such policies are likely to be most effective when they secure full, or almost full wage replacement, and when they provide incentives for fathers to take leave. Organizations must also participate in the culture shift, providing workplaces that encourage paternity leave rather than reinforcing the "male breadwinner" stigma.

Keywords: Fatherhood; Health Equity; Paid Family Leave.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Fathers*
Humans
Male
Policy
Salaries and Fringe Benefits*
Social Stigma