The effect of flexibility in working hours on fertilityA comparative analysis of selected European Countries
- Ugidos Olazabal, Arantza
- Ariza Alfaro, Alfredo
- De la Rica Goiricelaya, Sara
ISSN: 1988-088X
Año de publicación: 2003
Número: 8
Tipo: Documento de Trabajo
Otras publicaciones en: DFAE-II WP Series
Resumen
The main aim of this paper is to measure the extent to which part-time work enhances fertility for married or cohabiting women of fertile age. The study covers eleven European countries. The data used are a pool sample of five waves of the European Community Household Panel. Given that we believe that the decisions concerning fertility and labor market status are taken jointly, we carry out a simultaneous estimation approach. Results suggest that policy makers wishing to implement adequate parttime schedules so as to enhance fertility should look at the part-time schedules available in Belgium, Ireland and The Netherlands, which enhance fertility for women who take advantage of this flexibility measure so as to reconcile family and work.