Working Paper: NBER ID: w10247
Authors: Christopher J. Ruhm
Abstract: This study examines trends in labor force involvement, household structure, and some activities that may complicate the efforts of parents with young children to balance work and family life. Next I consider whether employer policies mitigate or exacerbate these difficulties and, since the policies adopted in the United States diverge dramatically from those in many other industrialized countries, provide some international comparisons before speculating on possible sources and effects of the differences.
Keywords: work-family balance; labor force participation; parental leave; child care
JEL Codes: I0; J2
Edges that are evidenced by causal inference methods are in orange, and the rest are in light blue.
| Cause | Effect |
|---|---|
| Increased labor force participation of mothers with young children (J49) | Challenges in balancing work and family responsibilities (J29) |
| Employer policies (J68) | Challenges in balancing work and family responsibilities (J29) |
| National policies (H59) | Family well-being (I31) |
| Changes in government policies (like EITC and welfare reform) (H53) | Labor supply decisions among single mothers (J22) |