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Paid maternal leave is associated with better language and socioemotional outcomes during toddlerhood
Author(s) -
Kozak Karina,
Greaves Ashley,
Waldfogel Jane,
Angal Jyoti,
Elliott Amy J.,
Fifier William P.,
Brito Natalie Hiromi
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
infancy
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.361
H-Index - 69
eISSN - 1532-7078
pISSN - 1525-0008
DOI - 10.1111/infa.12399
Subject(s) - socioemotional selectivity theory , socioeconomic status , psychology , toddler , developmental psychology , parental leave , educational attainment , demographic economics , demography , economics , economic growth , work (physics) , population , sociology , mechanical engineering , engineering
The United States is the only high‐income country that does not have a national policy mandating paid leave to working women who give birth. Increased rates of maternal employment post‐birth call for greater understanding of the effects of family leave on infant development. This study examined the links between paid leave and toddler language, cognitive, and socioemotional outcomes (24–36 months; N = 328). Results indicate that paid leave was associated with better language outcomes, regardless of socioeconomic status. Additionally, paid leave was correlated with fewer infant behavior problems for mothers with lower levels of educational attainment. Expanding access to policies that support families in need, like paid family leave, may aid in reducing socioeconomic disparities in infant development.