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When Fathers Step In: Long-Term Consequences of Early Paternal Involvement

Author

Listed:
  • Sébastien Fontenay
  • Libertad González

Abstract

We estimate the long-term impact of early paternal involvement by exploiting the 2002 Belgian paternity leave introduction as a natural experiment. Using a regression discontinuity design, we find that the reform significantly increased fathers' long-term time investment in childcare. Tracking children into early adulthood, we find precisely estimated null effects on a comprehensive set of outcomes, including educational attainment, labor market attachment, and family formation. These results hold across subgroups, including children of low and high- educated fathers. We conclude that while paternity leave may increase father involvement, it does not generate detectable advantages (or disadvantages) in children's early adult lives.

Suggested Citation

  • Sébastien Fontenay & Libertad González, 2025. "When Fathers Step In: Long-Term Consequences of Early Paternal Involvement," Working Papers 1542, Barcelona School of Economics.
    • Handle: RePEc:bge:wpaper:1542
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • J08 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - General - - - Labor Economics Policies
    • J13 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Fertility; Family Planning; Child Care; Children; Youth
    • J16 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Economics of Gender; Non-labor Discrimination
    • J18 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Public Policy

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