Perceptions and Attitudes Pertaining to the Uptake of Paternity Leave in the United Arab Emirates

Authors

Teresa Lojzer, Heriot-Watt University, Dubai
Greg Fantham, Heriot-Watt University, Dubai
Cakil Agnew, Heriot-Watt University, Dubai

Publication Date

2024

Abstract

This paper investigates how management attitudes within companies influence the uptake of Paternity Leave (PL) and the request for flexible working arrangements among men, contributing to family care. It explores the flexibility stigma and gender stereotypes that act as barriers to men taking PL, referencing global examples to underscore the relevance of incentivized leaves and supportive leadership. The study focuses on balancing work-life responsibilities and challenges the notion that effective fatherhood equates to financial provision alone. It also examines the phenomenon of pluralistic ignorance, where men's perceptions of colleagues' attitudes impact their decisions about PL.

DOI

https://doi.org/10.4087/VHDW8462

ScholarWorks Citation

Lojzer, T., Fantham, G., & Agnew, C. (2024). Perceptions and Attitudes Pertaining to the Uptake of Paternity Leave in the United Arab Emirates. In E. E. Buchtel & W. Friedlmeier (Eds.), Year of the Golden Jubilee: Culture Change in the Past, Present and Future. Proceedings from the 26th Congress of the International Association for Cross-Cultural Psychology, 12. https://doi.org/10.4087/VHDW8462