Leave Policies in Challenging Times: What Have We learned? What Lies Ahead?

Author: Janet C. Gornick

Publication: Community, Work & Family. vol. 18, no. 2. pp. 236-243

Date: January 2015

Abstract:

This article reflects on the studies included in this special issue on leave policies during challenging economic times. It highlights three major conclusions: (1) the regime-type framework remains illuminating; (2) the recent period is characterized by resilience of leave provisions; and (3) persistent gender disparities in leave-taking continue to shape policy debates. Three recommendations are made for future lines of work: (1) adopt a life course perspective; (2) reassess the growing emphasis on instrumental justifications for policy provision; and (3) continue to assess the possibility of unintended consequences, in particular the potential for harmful effects on women’s employment outcomes.

Link: Leave Policies in Challenging Times: What Have We learned? What Lies Ahead? (PDF)