UNU-MERIT Working Papers Series

Parental leave within the broader work-family trajectory: What can we learn from sequence analysis?

Nevena Zhelyazkova #2013-049

This paper illustrates how sequence analysis can be used to analyse work-family reconciliation strategies of parents and in particular the role of parental leave in these strategies. The use of administrative records makes a detailed, longitudinal analysis possible, which enables a holistic approach to the question from the broader life-course view. In addition, as an explorative technique, sequence analysis results are a powerful instrument for formulating further research questions. For the paper anonymous administrative records of mothers and fathers working in Luxembourg are used.

Keywords: Work-family reconciliation, parental leave, work-family trajectory, sequence analysis

JEL classification: J13, J16, J18

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