In todays more progressive society, and with the upcoming election, greater social issues such as paternity leave have worked their way into the spotlight. Paid paternity leave is the very controversial idea that describes the time in which a father takes off work for the birth of a child, and is continued to be compensated. Of course there are multiple counter arguments to this business practice. For example research and statistics to prove that men lifetime income significantly drops after taking paid leave as opposed to women. This shows that a father would lose money that he would have potentially earned without leave. (Coltrane, The Risky Business of Paternity Leave). I do not believe these types of arguments are more significant than a father receiving a new child. A father needs to be there in these special moments to care for and create a bond with the child, as well as help out the mother in this stressful time. A father should be able to enjoy these moments without living in fear of not having a steady income and being able to provide for his family. This matter could be looked at as a gender equality issue as well. A woman is guaranteed a certain amount of unpaid leave, when a father is not. The reason for this might be because the mother is the one who actually gave birth to the child, however this is does not mean the father experiences any less love for the child than the the mother does. By offering both parents equal opportunities, there is no room for favoritism. Paid paternal leave and family leave are good job securitys, however it can often times not be provided because it is expensive, and companies do not want to have to virtually throw out their money. With the election coming up people will take closer looks at the candidates stances on social issues. I personally agree with Hillary Clintons idea for up to 12 weeks paid family leave to care for a new child, and she will not impose any additional cost on business. (Paid Family and Medical Leave 2016). The best paternity leave policies available today are offered by the very large technology based companies. It is commonly looked at as the wealthy becoming more wealthy however it makes sense that the employers who pay generously would lead the pack. These companies look at it as saving money because they will not have to deal with the tired and seemingly lifeless employees who have a new child at home. What would there be to prevent a career stall from employees who have not received leave. (Lieber, Bringing Paternity Leave into the Mainstream). It is unreasonable for businesses to fear paid paternal leave. It is not a permanent set back and occurs very rarely. It is doubtful that someone intentionally has a child strictly for paid leave. It also unfair to look at this time as a vacation. This is a very stressful time in a family's life and requires a lot of hardwork and effort. This idea even further supports my stance because you would not want your employee being distracted and trying to extend themselves in multiple directions with both family and work priorities.
Sad we don't have Family Leave in this country since so many folks don't have kinfolks around anymore due our very mobile society.
