OECD Economics Department Working Papers
Working papers from the Economics Department of the OECD that cover the full range of the Department’s work including the economic situation, policy analysis and projections; fiscal policy, public expenditure and taxation; and structural issues including ageing, growth and productivity, migration, environment, human capital, housing, trade and investment, labour markets, regulatory reform, competition, health, and other issues.
The views expressed in these papers are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of the OECD or of the governments of its member countries.
- ISSN: 18151973 (online)
- https://doi.org/10.1787/18151973
Family Policy in Hungary
How to Improve the Reconciliation between Work and Family?
Hungarian family policy focuses on providing generous options to take time off work to look after
children. This system not only contributes to Hungary’s low employment rate but encourages long
separation from the labour market, has largely failed to significantly influence fertility rates and is
relatively expensive to run. This paper looks at how to shift the policy focus towards reconciling work and
family life. Reasons for under-provision in childcare by local governments are discussed and
recommendations for further central-government intervention to improve supply are made.
Recommendations for reform are also made regarding the complex system of family cash benefits and leave allowances.
Keywords: Hungary, family benefits, fertility, child care, family policy, Hungarian
JEL:
J13: Labor and Demographic Economics / Demographic Economics / Fertility; Family Planning; Child Care; Children; Youth;
H31: Public Economics / Fiscal Policies and Behavior of Economic Agents / Fiscal Policies and Behavior of Economic Agents: Household;
I38: Health, Education, and Welfare / Welfare, Well-Being, and Poverty / Welfare, Well-Being, and Poverty: Government Policy; Provision and Effects of Welfare Programs;
H53: Public Economics / National Government Expenditures and Related Policies / Government Expenditures and Welfare Programs
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