Paternity Leave Surge During the 2022 World Cup in Spain
A recent study reveals a notable increase in the number of men taking paternity leave in Spain during the 2022 World Cup, which ran from November 20 to December 18, 2022, in Qatar. The research conducted by the Barcelona School of Economics indicates that there was a daily surplus of over 1,000 men on paternity leave, suggesting that the opportunity to watch the matches influenced their decision to take time off.
Interestingly, the study titled "Fathers' use of time during paternity leave: childcare or leisure?" found no corresponding rise in maternity leave requests during the same period. This raises questions about the effectiveness of current paternity leave policies in promoting equal childcare responsibilities among parents.
Insights into Leave Patterns
The study highlights that even among self-employed workers, who typically enjoy more flexible schedules, there was no increase in paternity leave requests. The researchers concluded that many fathers utilized their leave for leisure activities rather than childcare duties. This finding points to potential gender imbalances in the distribution of childcare responsibilities, suggesting that existing policies may not fully address the need for equitable parenting roles.
Implications for Future Policies
Since 2021, both mothers and fathers in Spain have been entitled to 16 weeks of paid leave upon the birth of a child, which can be taken in various installments during the first year. However, the study implies that additional measures may be necessary to encourage a more balanced share of childcare between parents. As football remains a significant cultural phenomenon in Spain, with a vast audience and dedicated media coverage, the impact of such events on family dynamics and leave patterns warrants further examination.
