933. A System Dynamics Analysis of Maternal Leave Policies and Their Sociopsychological Impacts
Invited abstract in session MB-43: Ethics and OR, Public Service and Societal Complexity, stream OR and Ethics.
Monday, 10:30-12:00Room: Newlyn GR.07
Authors (first author is the speaker)
| 1. | Rossen M. Kazakov
|
| Scenariosim Lab | |
| 2. | Penka Petrova
|
| World Business Web Association | |
| 3. | Yavora Kazakova
|
| University of York |
Abstract
The decision of when mothers return to work after childbirth profoundly affects family well-being, child development, and societal stability. Short maternity leave disrupts parent-child attachment, increasing risks of behavioural issues, lower academic achievement, and future social instability. Women experience postpartum depression, hormonal shifts, and physiological stress for an extended period after childbirth, regardless of employment status, making early return to work an added strain. Parental stress also reduces work efficiency and necessitates costly childcare solutions. This study applies a System Dynamics (SD) approach to examine these trade-offs and their long-term consequences.
Aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), this research addresses: SDG 3 (Good Health & Well-being): Psychological and physiological effects on parents and children. SDG 5 (Gender Equality): Reinforcing workplace inequalities and disproportionate burdens on women. SDG 8 (Decent Work & Economic Growth): Labor market stability and workforce productivity.
Through scenario simulations, this study informs policy and labour strategies that balance economic demands with parental and child welfare, advocating for sustainable parental leave frameworks that promote mental health, gender equity, and social resilience.
Keywords
- System Dynamics and Theory
- Ethics
- OR in Sustainability
Status: accepted
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