Attitudes towards the division of parental leave: Evidence from Slovenia

This study examines attitudes towards the division of parental leave between mothers and fathers in Slovenia, their change over time, and their association with gender role attitudes and other individual characteristics. Drawing on the International Social Survey Programme (ISSP) 2012 and 2022 Family and Changing Gender Roles modules, it situates Slovenia within the EU context. Although support for an egalitarian leave division increased significantly between 2012 and 2022, Slovenia remained among the analysed EU countries with the lowest support. Contrary to theoretical expectations, gender role attitudes were not significantly associated with this support. Younger respondents were more likely to support an egalitarian division, although age differences narrowed as support increased most among the oldest. Support was lower among respondents with caregiving responsibilities. Differences were observed by religious affiliation, political orientation and place of residence. These patterns coexist with fathers’ limited uptake of leave and a persistently gendered division of care.