In 2013, less than 1 in 5 fathers took paternity leave. By 2022, this number had tripled to 3 in 5 fathers taking paternity leave, regardless of whether it was for their first or second child. Save the Children compiled data from the INPS to determine which fathers were most likely to take parental leave. The paternity leave policy was introduced in 2012 with one mandatory day and two optional days, but now guarantees 10 mandatory days and one optional day for new fathers. Fathers can take two months of leave before the birth and five months after.
Despite the increase in fathers across Italy taking on childcare responsibilities, those living in northern provinces are more likely to request paternity leave, with rates exceeding 80% in some areas. Conversely, the percentages drop significantly in southern regions. The typical father applying for paternity leave is between 30 and 39 years old or 40 and 49 years old, as children are being born later in life. They are often employed by medium to large-sized companies ranging from 100 to 1,500 employees.
Financial stability is a significant factor in fathers’ decisions to take paternity leave. Those who earn more and have stable jobs are more likely to request leave. Nearly 70% of fathers with permanent contracts take paternity leave, while the percentage drops to 35.95% for those with fixed-term contracts and plunges to 19% for seasonal workers. This highlights the impact of financial security on the ability to take time off work to care for a new child.
The increase in fathers taking paternity leave reflects a shift in societal norms towards shared parenting responsibilities. The expansion of paternity leave policies to include more days off and greater flexibility has encouraged more fathers to participate in caring for their children. While the numbers have increased significantly in recent years, there is still a disparity between regions, with northern provinces leading the way in fathers taking paternity leave.
The benefits of fathers taking paternity leave extend beyond the immediate family and contribute to a more equal society where caregiving responsibilities are shared. By encouraging fathers to take time off to bond with their children and support their partners, paternity leave policies help create a more equitable work-life balance for everyone. As more fathers embrace their role in childcare, the stigma around men taking time off work for family reasons is gradually being eroded.
Overall, the trend of more fathers taking paternity leave in Italy is a positive development that reflects changing attitudes towards gender roles and caregiving responsibilities. With continued support for policies that promote parental leave and encourage fathers to be more involved in childcare, Italy can continue to progress towards a more equitable society where caregiving duties are shared among parents. The data provided by Save the Children and the INPS shed light on the demographic trends and motivations behind fathers’ decisions to take paternity leave, highlighting the importance of parental support policies in facilitating greater gender equality.
