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American University

Publication Date

Spring 2009

Program Name

Netherlands: International Perspectives on Sexuality and Gender

Abstract

The Independent Study Project (ISP) investigated how Dutch emancipation policies have affected female labor market participation in the Netherlands. The ISP focused specifically on The Working Hours Modification Act, The Childcare Act, and The Work and Care Act. The ISP explored both the legalities and realities of the emancipation policies. Additionally, Esping-Andersen’s welfare state typologies were incorporated and each emancipation policy was classified according to the welfare state typology that it best reflected. The legalities of the legislation were researched using literature and the findings of other comparative studies done on female labor market participation in the Netherlands. A qualitative survey and focus group were conducted to better understand the realities portion of the policies. The research revealed that the emancipation policies have little to no effect on female labor market participation in the Netherlands. It was concluded that female labor market participation was influenced by traditional Dutch ideology, the amount of employer support a woman receives, and a woman’s financial situation. Additionally, research on the each of the policy’s entitlements, conditions, and implications resulted in all of the emancipation policies being categorized within the conservative-corporatist welfare state typology.

Disciplines

Labor Economics | Women's Studies

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