Fathers living in the southern region of Uusimaa were the second most likely to take paternity leave, with 13 percent of dads using the benefit. Meanwhile fathers in Central Ostrobothnia were the least likely to take leave: just six percent of fathers in that district took time off after having a child.
According to the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health, the decision to take paternity leave is due to factors including the local employment situation, the educational level of the parents and the line of work itself. Attitudes and staying in one's traditional role are thought to contribute to aversion to taking leave.
Men who had enjoyed long-term employment or were highly educated were the most likely to take paternity leave, while men in male dominated professions were less likely to use the benefit.
In the Åland Islands, the higher number of men who take time off work to care for their babies is thought to be partly due to the Swedish culture influence.
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