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Parental leave, family, and firms

Author

Listed:
  • Diogo G.C. Britto
  • Caio de Holanda
  • Alexandre Fonseca
  • Breno Sampaio

Abstract

We investigate the effects of maternity and paternity leave on families and firms. Drawing on rich administrative data linking generations in Brazil and leveraging a policy reform that expanded parental leave, we evaluate the impacts on parents, their spouses, and children, as well as the broader consequences for firms. Our analysis spans labour market outcomes, fertility, health, and education, offering new evidence on the multifaceted effects of parental leave in a developing country context. We find that mothers eligible for extended leave experience a 6.33 p.p.

Suggested Citation

  • Diogo G.C. Britto & Caio de Holanda & Alexandre Fonseca & Breno Sampaio, 2025. "Parental leave, family, and firms," WIDER Working Paper Series wp-2025-71, World Institute for Development Economic Research (UNU-WIDER).
    • Handle: RePEc:unu:wpaper:wp-2025-71
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    References listed on IDEAS

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