Awareness, Access, and Perceptions around Parental Benefits among Urban Argentinians

Ludovica Cherchi and Himanshi Jain

No 197190, Social Protection Discussion Papers and Notes from The World Bank

Abstract: This paper examines parental benefits in Argentina, focusing on their role in addressing gender inequality and labor market challenges during pregnancy and post-childbirth. Drawing on the International Labor Organization (ILO) Convention 183, the study extends its core elements of maternity protection to evaluate the needs of formal and informal sector workers. Using desk research and a survey of 832 urban Argentinians, the findings highlight a benefits system that is more inclusive than many in the region, with a Parenthood score above the Latin American and Caribbean average. However, significant gaps persist, including disparities between formal and informal workers, complex eligibility rules, insufficient leave durations, limited monitoring mechanisms, and unmet parental needs. To enhance inclusivity and accessibility, the paper recommends extending minimum leave durations, financing paternity leave through social security contributions, simplifying income support programs, improving data transparency, addressing childcare gaps for working parents, and fostering compliance with family-friendly workplace policies. Additionally, there is a need for economic analysis of these programs' fiscal costs and sustainability, particularly given their reliance on hybrid financing models. The study advocates a shift from maternity-focused policies to a comprehensive parental benefits framework that integrates fathers, aligns with labor market dynamics, promotes gender equality, and ensures long-term fiscal sustainability.

Date: 2025-02-01
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