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Aligning School and Work: How After-School Care Shapes Maternal Labor Supply

Author

Listed:
  • Fang, Guanfu

    (School of Business, Shanghai University of International Business and Economics)

  • Qian, Benyu

    (School of Economics, Jinan University)

  • Zhao, Zhong

    (Renmin University of China)

Abstract

This paper examines the labor market effects of China's After-School Care policy—commonly known as the After-School 3:30 PM Service reform—on maternal employment and earnings. Introduced in 2017, the policy addresses the longstanding mismatch between early school dismissal times and standard work schedules by extending on-campus supervision and enrichment activities into the late afternoon. Exploiting the staggered rollout of the program across counties and over time, we show that the policy significantly increases mothers' labor supply and earnings. We document null effects for fathers. The policy operates by reducing maternal housework time, enabling longer commutes, and facilitating access to formal employment, while also inducing firms to increase job postings for female workers. Effects are concentrated among mothers with egalitarian gender attitudes, with minimal impact on those holding traditional views.

Suggested Citation

  • Fang, Guanfu & Qian, Benyu & Zhao, Zhong, 2026. "Aligning School and Work: How After-School Care Shapes Maternal Labor Supply," IZA Discussion Papers 18949, IZA Network @ LISER.
    • Handle: RePEc:iza:izadps:dp18949
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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
    • J18 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Public Policy
    • J22 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Time Allocation and Labor Supply

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