FOREIGN EXPERIENCE OF SOCIO-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF YOUNG FAMILIES (ON THE EXAMPLE OF SWEDEN, GERMANY, FRANCE AND CANADA)
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This article provides an in-depth analysis of socio-economic support policies for young families, with a particular focus on parental leave systems, using the examples of Sweden, Germany, France, and the province of Quebec in Canada. Drawing on a mixed-methods approach (quantitative and qualitative), the study examines the effectiveness of non-transferable paternity leave policies in these countries. In Sweden, the rate of fathers taking leave exceeds 90%, while in Quebec it is around 75–80%. These high participation rates have played a significant role in promoting gender equality, demographic stability, and increased female labor force participation. In contrast, despite the availability of parental leave in Germany and France, lower participation rates among fathers have hindered the achievement of the desired outcomes. The article explores the impacts of father-specific leave quotas on health, employment, and gender roles, and offers adaptable policy recommendations for other countries.
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