Institutional change and women's work patterns along the family life course

This study examines country variation and change over time in mothers' work patterns along the family life course, focusing on the effect of policies and labor market characteristics. Using ISSP data from 1994 and 2012, the findings show that in many countries, although not in all, mothers increased their attachment to market work. Family policy and the opportunities open for women affected the decision to work when children were young, as well as the choice of strong or moderate attachment to the labor force. Family policy also had an effect on reducing educational differences in mothers' work patterns.