Work

To Take Leave or Not to Take and How Long to Take? A Study on Swedish Fathers’ Parental Leave Use

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Research on determinants of fathers’ parental leave use often focuses on fathers’ characteristics but leave out that decisions are negotiated with the mother. This study asks how fathers’ and mothers’ characteristics as well as their combination are associated with fathers’ leave use in Sweden, a country where parental leave sharing is encouraged. The results indicate that both fathers’ and mothers’ income and education matter for how long leave the father takes, albeit in gendered ways. Fathers with the lowest income tend not to use leave but if the mother also have no (or low) income, he will use long leave. Among middle-income fathers, a short leave is most common but if the mother has high income, they will instead use a long leave. Fathers’ and mothers’ tertiary education are positively associated with leave and two tertiary educations lead to a long leave rather than a short leave.

Source: Journal of Family Issues

DOI: 10.1177/0192513x251329594

Authors: Ann-Zofie Duvander, Susanne Fahlén

Institutions: Stockholm University, Mid Sweden University

Language: English

Topic: Work-Family Balance Challenges

Subfield: Sociology and Political Science

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Reduced inequalities, Gender equality

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,650