Childcare and Female Economic Inactivity in Northern Ireland
Queens University, Belfast
Despite progress in reducing gender inequalities in the labour market, gender gaps in economic inactivity still persist. As well as women being more likely to be inactive, they also continue to be overrepresented in low-paid sectors and in part-time and temporary jobs. Unsurprisingly, caring responsibilities remain one of the main reasons for women being economically inactive.
The burden of caring disproportionately falls on women. Following childbirth, women typically begin to experience very different trajectories in the labour market compared to comparable women without children, and men. This ‘motherhood penalty’ leads to substantial, long-term reductions in mothers' earnings and employment outcomes relative to men, as well as higher rates of part-time or informal work, affecting productivity and perpetuating gendered occupational segregation.
Childcare provision is a major influence on deciding whether and when to return to work after childbirth. It enables carers, especially mothers, to minimise vital trade-offs that they face between investing in the care and development of their children against providing economically for their families and fulfilling career aspirations. Childcare policy interventions may help to address persistent inequalities brought about by the motherhood penalty - helping mothers achieve stronger attachment to the labour market, higher wages, more frequent promotions and expanded career opportunities.
This research will provide evidence on the impacts of childcare-related policy provision on maternal labour market outcomes. Best practice will be identified from childcare policies in other countries, and the impact of childcare on economic inactivity will be explored. The research will contribute to policy discussions in Northern Ireland focused on the most appropriate level of policy support for childcare; helping guide policymakers, as well as groups and individuals involved in the debate to better inform evidence-based policy making.
This project is being undertaken by Dr Heather Dickey and Mr Craig Entwistle
