Parental Preferences for Work and Childcare

Authors

Roderic Beaujot, University of Western Ontario

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

9-1997

Volume

23

Issue

3

Journal

Canadian Public Policy

First Page

275

Last Page

288

Abstract

Data from the 1988 Child Care Survey are used to compare the actual and preferred work and childcare patterns in families with children under six years of age. Not only do parents manage work and childcare in a variety of ways, but preferences differ considerably from daily experiences. A variety of models are operating, with some preferring more public childcare situations while others prefer part-time work or other arrangements that permit parents to look after children themselves. This suggests that policy should be flexible in supporting three types of childcare: by the immediate family, by the formal sector, and by the informal sector.