VoxTalks Economics S8 Ep41: Bertrand: Why Japanese men don’t take paternity leave
Aug 6, 2025
Marianne Bertrand, a Professor of Economics at the University of Chicago Booth School, dissects the surprising reluctance of Japanese men to take paternity leave. She reveals how entrenched cultural norms and employer pressures contribute to this trend despite generous policies. Bertrand shares insights on innovative solutions, including an engaging anime aimed at reshaping perceptions around paternity leave. This creative approach not only highlights the issues but also offers potential pathways for change in societal attitudes towards fatherhood in Japan.
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Demographic Context Shapes Policy
- Japan faces demographic challenges with an aging population, low fertility and limited migration.
- Increasing men's paternity leave uptake is viewed as a tool to boost women's workforce retention and fertility rates.
Career Concerns Limit Leave Uptake
- Lifetime employment creates career concerns that deter men from taking paternity leave.
- This cultural employment norm remains strong despite some workforce changes.
Misperceptions Sustain Low Paternity Leave
- Japanese men and managers largely support longer paternity leave but perceive others as opposing it.
- This misperception sustains low leave-taking despite favorable attitudes.