# Labor market decisions after motherhood: The case of Barcelona 1

## TL;DR

This study explores how motherhood affects work decisions in Barcelona, highlighting factors like income and childcare support.

## Contribution

The study provides new insights into the specific factors influencing mothers' labor market decisions in the Barcelona region.

## Key findings

- Mothers' income level, education, and number of children significantly influence work decisions.
- Grandparents' childcare support is a key factor in reducing work hours or leaving jobs.
- Caring for children is the primary reason for changes in work patterns after motherhood.

## Abstract

This article analyses mothers' work decisions and their determinants during the first three years of their children's life, based on data from a survey of 1219 mothers in the Barcelona area during 2020. The factors affecting the probability of mothers reducing their working day or leaving their job after having a child are studied through a descriptive analysis, as well as by estimating a multinomial logic model. The results obtained indicate the relevance of the following aspects: the mother's income level, her level of education, the number of children and the fact of having the daily help of grandparents for childcare. The survey data show that the main reason mothers decide to reduce their working day or leave their job is to care for their children. These results are relevant for the design of childcare policies and work-life balance policies with the aim of avoiding gender inequalities in the future.