Immigrant Parents Experiences and Access to Parental Leave Policy in Sweden

Sammanfattning

This study examines how immigrant parents from Asia, Africa and Middle East background experience parental leave system in Sweden. Swedish government provides 480 days paid leaves for parents and also encourage fathers to take leave for baby care. This study mainly focuses on the difficulties immigrant parents face while accessing the parental leave system and how the parental leave system shapes family and social lives of immigrant parents and it also examine on how gender, cultural background and income influence the parental leave system. This study selected qualitative research method by using semi-structured interview method, collected data from ten participants, which consist of fathers, mothers and healthcare professionals. From the collected data it was revealed that non-Europeans face difficulties in accessing the parental leave system, it is because of the language barriers, limited knowledge regarding the administrative system, cultural expectations and financial pressures caused difficulties in accessing the parental leave system. Although, all participants valued the parental leave policy system but their experiences were influenced by social and structural factors. This study recommends, support for new immigrants, multi-lingual information, simplify application process and provide financial support for low-income families. This will improve the equitable access of parental leaves among immigrant parents.