Publications

Many Americans are divided politically, but they strongly agree on the value of family time and the need for paid parental leave. Support for these policies is widespread across parties and states, with more states adopting family leave in recent years. Research shows that paternity leave in particular strengthens father-child bonds, supports healthier relationships between parents, and benefits families long term. However, access in the U.S. remains limited, and cultural stigma still discourages many fathers from taking leave. With growing public support, now is the time to expand access and create workplace cultures that normalize and encourage paid parental leave.

A brief report prepared for the Council on Contemporary Families by Early Career Scholar Dr. Vanessa Delgado.

The COVID-19 pandemic upended the lives of families around the world. Aside from its obvious and substantial costs to life and health, the pandemic created crises at both home and work – the consequences of which varied by gender. A new online symposium presented by the Council on Contemporary Families highlights what emerging research tells us about changes to family and work life during the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States, what these changes meant for gender inequalities during the pandemic, and what they mean for the future of gender equality in the US.

The COVID-19 pandemic upended the lives of families around the world. Aside from its obvious and substantial costs to life and health, the pandemic created crises at both home and work – the consequences of which varied by gender.

The COVID-19 pandemic transformed where paid work is done, leading millions to become remote workers overnight. Large numbers (40% of full-time employees) continue to work remotely three years following the pandemic onset, and workers today highly value flexible work options.