The labour market integration of migrant mothers and fathers in the Nordic countries

Strong family and gender policies in the Nordic countries 

The Nordic countries have some of the world’s strongest family and gender policies. Extensive measures across the five countries (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden) have led to high maternal employment rates, including among the immigrant populations. 

Employment gaps for migrant mothers 

Nonetheless, having small children is associated with disproportionately lower employment rates for migrant mothers, which has led to pronounced gender gaps in employment among the countries’ immigrant populations. These gender gaps along with gaps between the native- and foreign-born highlight the fact that a focus on migrant parents in integration and family policy is crucial to promoting equality throughout the Nordic countries. 

Policies promoting labour market participation 

Many policies that have been implemented in the Nordic countries encourage labour market participation of migrant mothers and improve outcomes for their children. For example, integration programmes that offer flexible parental leave periods, childcare options and extended periods for completion provide support for migrant mothers who are likely to have children soon after arrival. Well-directed outreach measures can also encourage participation by expanding social networks and improving access to information. Certain family policies, such as price-reduction schemes and universal coverage for formal childcare not only promote the employment of migrant mothers, but also improve the educational outcomes and labour market inclusion of their native-born children. 

Barriers to equality 

Nonetheless, some family policies can also exacerbate inequity between migrant and native-born parents. For instance, parental leave benefits that are strictly linked to employment can exclude recently arrived migrants with weaker labour market attachment from accessing benefits. Other family policies can amplify gender gaps among the migrant populations. For example, flat-rate parental leave benefits that can be used over extended periods and are not earmarked for mothers and fathers individually might inadvertently lead to migrant mothers disproportionally staying out of the labour market. The outcomes of mothers and fathers in the Nordic countries suggest that addressing limitations and expanding effective family and gender policy can improve the well-being of migrant families. Taking a whole-of-family approach to migrant integration contributes not only to improving the well-being of migrant mothers and fathers, but to promoting the success of the generations that will follow. 

Background

The OECD report examines the impact of political measures in the Nordic countries and is commissioned by the Nordic Council of Ministers. The OECD is an international organization that brings together 38 member countries to collaborate on economic, social, and labor market-related issues. The Nordic Council of Ministers is the official cooperation body of the Nordic governments.