Unequal Beginnings: The Motherhood Penalty and the Struggle for Paid Maternity Leave in the U.S.

Level of Education of Students Involved

Undergraduate

Faculty Sponsor

Dr. Niru Devaraj

College

College of Arts & Sciences (CAS)

Discipline(s)

Political Science, Economics

Presentation Type

Poster Presentation

Symposium Date

Spring 4-24-2025

Abstract

This paper investigates the impact of paid maternity leave on the reentry rates of women into the labor force after the birth of a child. Paid maternity leave policy refers to a government benefit that allows women, and oftentimes their partners, to take time off work following the birth or adoption of a child. Additionally, the duration of this leave is also a significant factor in influencing women’s return to work.. The International Labor Organization has recommended that 18 weeks is the optimal duration of leave for the well-being of the mother and child. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, around 70% of women in the US do not have access to paid maternity leave of this recommended length. Researchers (Anderson, Binder, Krause 2002) have labeled the disadvantages manifest in the form of reduced career advancement opportunities and wage disparities as the “motherhood penalty.” The motherhood penalty can be attributed to the lack of paid maternity leave. Using cross-country data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, The World Bank, and the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development, for the time period 1995 to present day, this paper conducts a comparative analysis of the impact of paid maternity leave policies on labor force participation rates of women in the US and other countries. The findings of this paper will have significant policy implications for both the duration of paid maternity leave as well as the wage replacement rates for new mothers.

Biographical Information about Author(s)

My name is Aubree Wallen and I am a second year Political Science major from Chesterton, IN. I plan on graduating with my Bachelors of Arts in the spring of 2026. Following graduation at Valpo, I plan to pursue my Juris Doctorate degree and become a practicing attorney. As a future professional, I understand the significance of balancing motherhood and work. I started this research as a way of trying to find a solution at the government level for more women to balance having a family and rising in their profession.

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