Work

From homemakers to breadwinners? How mandatory kindergarten affects maternal labour market outcomes

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The majority of Swiss children attend mandatory and cost-free kindergarten at age four. We examine the effect of this policy on maternal labour market outcomes. Using administrative data from Switzerland, we exploit the birthday cut-off for kindergarten entry in the same or in the following year and apply a non-parametric regression discontinuity design (RDD). We find that mandatory kindergarten has a statistically significant positive effect on the labour market attachment of previously non-employed mothers, increasing their employment probability by 4 percentage points. In contrast, there are no significant effects on other groups or in the total sample of mothers.

Source: Journal of Population Economics

DOI: 10.1007/s00148-025-01099-y

Authors: Selina Gangl, Martin Huber

Institutions: Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, University of Fribourg

Language: English

Topic: Gender, Labor, and Family Dynamics

Subfield: Gender Studies

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Decent work and economic growth, Reduced inequalities, No poverty, Gender equality, Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,190