Dynamics of parental leave in Anglophone countries: the paradox of state expansion in liberal welfare regimes

摘要: This paper evaluates parental leave policies across six Anglophone countries (Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the UK and USA) to assess system fit with a liberal welfare regime classification. The focus is on comparison within classification (rather than between regimes), enabling complexity variation be explored. comparative policy analysis uses national government international Organization for Economic Cooperation Development data sources case studies of change 2004 2014 in Australia UK. Evidence suggests that contrary market-oriented, predictions, there has been an expanding role state developing policies, extending their duration increasing payment level. With exception USA, provision, predominately maternal focus, embedded contemporary countries.