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Mothers’ Work, Reconciliation Issues, and Fertility Desires Evidence from the Evaluation of a Program to Support Mothers

Author

Listed:
  • Daniela Del Boca
  • Luca Favaro
  • Chiara Pronzato

Abstract

This paper examines the effects of "Equilibri" a program designed to support mothers of children under 18 in Italy’s Piedmont region. The program is specifically aimed to help women who have reduced or stopped working due to motherhood to achieve better work-life balance by improving both employment and work-family outcomes. The evaluation, conducted via randomized control trial, shows positive impacts on employment and work-family balance. Women in the treatment group participated in professional courses, informal meetings, reconciliation support and extracurricular activities for their children. According to the results of our evaluation the program had a positive impact on mothers’ employment, work-life balance as well as children well-being. Furthermore, a greater proportion of women in the treatment group expressed a desire to have another child.

Suggested Citation

  • Daniela Del Boca & Luca Favaro & Chiara Pronzato, 2025. "Mothers’ Work, Reconciliation Issues, and Fertility Desires Evidence from the Evaluation of a Program to Support Mothers," CESifo Working Paper Series 12309, CESifo.
    • Handle: RePEc:ces:ceswps:_12309
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Daniela Del Boca, 2002. "The effect of child care and part time opportunities on participation and fertility decisions in Italy," Journal of Population Economics, Springer;European Society for Population Economics, vol. 15(3), pages 549-573.
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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • 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
    • J21 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Labor Force and Employment, Size, and Structure

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