Deciding on Maternity Leave Length

What is it about?

This research examines how pregnant school teachers with access to extended maternity leave decide how long a leave to take. Not very many women in the United States have access to extended maternity leave, so examining their decisions adds to the dialogue concerning the length of any extensions to existing maternity leave laws. Findings discuss the interplay of financial reasons, childcare options, gendered beliefs about parenting, and professional identity.

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Why is it important?

As the government considered extended current parental leave laws, we need to think about how long a leave works best in a US context for men, women and children. This research examines that question among women who have access to extended leave and decide whether or not to use it.