Daddy’s (not) home: work and gender-related factors in men’s attitudes towards shared parental leave

ABSTRACT

Uptake of Shared Parental Leave (SPL) in the UK remains poor, with fewer than 2% of eligible fathers utilising the policy since its introduction in 2015. With limited extant research addressing the policy, reasons behind the low level of uptake remain unclear. Specifically, the role of work (family supportive organisation perceptions [FSOP]) and gender-related factors (perceived social identity threat and traditional gender role orientation) in men’s attitudes towards SPL have been largely overlooked. This study sought to identify the extent to which work and gender-related factors influenced employed men’s attitudes towards SPL, utilising social role theory to understand the mechanisms underpinning these relationships. A survey of 120 employed men captured attitudes towards SPL, traditional gender role orientation, perceived social identity threat, and FSOP. Results showed that perceived social identity threat was positively associated with traditional gender role orientation, which was, in turn, the mechanism through which FSOP and perceived social identity threat affected attitudes towards SPL. At low levels, FSOP moderated the relationship between perceived social identity threat and traditional gender role orientation, but did not moderate the indirect effect between perceived threat and attitudes towards SPL. Theoretical contributions and recommendations for organisations to improve workplace gender equality are discussed.

KEYWORDS:

• Shared parental leave
• SPL
• paternity leave
• parental leave attitudes
• gender roles
• gender pay gap

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Data availability statement

The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.

Ethical approval

Full ethical approval for the study was obtained prior to its commencement at the first author’s institution.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Victoria G. Holloway

Victoria G. Holloway Victoria is a student and trainee Occupational Psychologist at Birkbeck, University of London. Her research interests are centred on gender equality and equal opportunity within the workplace, with a particular focus on social role theory and the impact of policy interventions on change. In her day-to-day, Victoria specialises in leadership development consultancy.

Rashpal K. Dhensa-Kahlon

Rashpal K. Dhensa-Kahlon Rashi is a Lecturer of Psychology at Birkbeck, University of London. Her research interests are centred on coping and adjustment following trauma, both in the workplace as well as more broadly in society. She has published in leading academic journals as well as in edited scholarly books.

T. Alexandra Beauregard

T. Alexandra Beauregard is Professor of Organizational Psychology at Birkbeck, University of London and Oslo New University College. Her research interests are centred on the work–life interface, flexible working arrangements and workforce diversity and inclusion, with a particular focus on gender identity and gender equality. She has published widely on these topics in academic journals and practitioner outlets, as well as authoring chapters in a number of edited scholarly books and teaching-oriented texts.