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Parental Leave Intentions, Gender, and Job Discrimination: Insights From a Swedish Field Experiment

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: ABSTRACT This paper reports on a field experiment investigating hiring discrimination in the Swedish labor market against job candidates signaling intentions to take part‐time parental leave. Swedish law prohibits labor market discrimination related to parental leave. We conducted a correspondence test, sending job applications to 960 employers in one male‐dominated and one female‐dominated low‐skilled occupation. Applicants who indicated plans for parental leave were significantly less likely to receive job interview invitations, with their chances cut by half compared to those who did not mention such plans. This bias emerged across genders and occupations, revealing a systemic issue in the labor market.

Source: Labour

DOI: 10.1111/labr.12292

Authors: Ali Ahmed, Mimmi Gustafsson, Johanna Rydén, Lydia Wallin Claesson

Institution: Linköping University

Language: English

Topic: Names, Identity, and Discrimination Research

Subfield: Sociology and Political Science

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Reduced inequalities, Gender equality, Decent work and economic growth

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $2,900