Ranking Work-Family Policies across OECD Countries: Implications for Work-Family Conflict, Gender Equality, and Child Well-being

This study ranks 33 OECD countries on how well their work-family policies support parents and promote gender equality, using indices that assess parental leave, early childhood education and care, and flexible work arrangements. Sweden ranks first while the United States ranks 30th for supportiveness and 29th for gender equality, with Mexico, Switzerland, and Turkey ranking lowest. The research identifies four policy regime types and finds that state-oriented caring policies that treat paid work and unpaid care equally are most effective at reducing work-family conflict, advancing gender equality, and benefiting child well-being. The study recommends well-paid leave shared equally between parents, along with guaranteed access to early childhood education and flexible work options.

Key points

• Sweden ranks 1st on both Supportiveness and Gender Equality Indices among 33 OECD countries
• United States ranks 30th for Supportiveness and 29th for Gender Equality
• Mexico, Switzerland, and Turkey rank last on both indices
• State-oriented caring regimes that challenge gendered division of paid and unpaid work are most effective at addressing work-family conflict and enhancing child well-being
• Optimal policies combine well-paid leave equally shared between parents with guaranteed early childhood education access and flexible work arrangements

Limitations

This is a policy analysis study that ranks statutory provisions rather than measuring actual outcomes experienced by children or families. The document does not provide empirical evidence about the causal impact of these policies on child well-being outcomes, making it unclear which specific policy elements most directly affect child development.