Why Do Women’s Sick Leave Rates Surge After Becoming Parents? A New Study Investigates
Women’s sick leave rates increase sharply after having children – unlike men’s. A new research project at SOFI explores why.
Ylva Moberg. Photo: Magnus Dahl
By comparing biological and adoptive parents, researchers aim to determine whether pregnancy and childbirth impact sick leave. “If biological mothers take more sick leave, it would indicate that better support is needed after pregnancy and childbirth,” says project leader Ylva Moberg.
The project also examines same-sex and different-sex couples with children to see whether gender norms play a role. “Heterosexual couples are more influenced by traditional parenting norms. We want to see if that affects the mother’s risk of taking sick leave,” says Ylva Moberg.
The study is based on Swedish and Norwegian register data and is funded by IFAU.
The project also includes Maaike van der Vleuten (SOFI/NIDI).
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About the project Parenthood and the gender gap in health and sick leave
Last updated: 2025-02-18
Source: Magnus Dahl