ABSTRACT
Welfare state policies face new challenges. Birth rates are declining, falling on average below reproduction rates. Divorce rates are increasing and poverty levels of solo parent families as consequence of divorce or separation are high. Family forms are becoming increasingly diverse. While comparative family law is a well-established legal academic field, the comparison of state policies supporting families has been largely left to social sciences. There is very little transdisciplinary discourse between legal and social sciences on the law and practice of family benefits and social rights supporting children and families. Paternity leave, a gender-specific entitlement granted shortly after a child’s birth, encompasses in most countries two to ten days, but some are longer.
