Inequalities in the use of unpaid childcare leave in Spain (2011-2019)

Abstract

This article examines the incidence, usage patterns, and social and labor determinants of childcare leave (excedencia por cuidado de hijos/as) in Spain —a non-paid entitlement with job protection and periods credited for social-security contributions— using longitudinal administrative microdata from the MCVL. We follow women with a first birth in 2011-2019 through 2022 and, to estimate incidence, restrict the analysis to eligible mothers (employees at the time of birth). The methodology combines (i) a descriptive component that identifies leave episodes within 36 months postpartum and characterizes frequency, repeat use per child, timing relative to birth, duration, and seasonality; and (ii) birth-level binary logistic models with a stepwise specification (demographic base; +family/context; +employment conditions). Results indicate limited take-up, with starts clustering after paid leaves are exhausted, short durations with summer seasonality, and stratified access by employment stability and quality as well as by country of origin.