Comparative analysis of parental benefits in the Baltic states

Abstract

The aim of the article is to examine an important topic that concerns the most of the population –most commonly used aspects of family policy (parental leave and financial family allowances) and demographic situations in the Baltic states. These are special social programs and benefits that are worked out for families and are there to support them. In addition, they are usually designed to help families find out balance between their private and work lives. Family policies may significantly vary from country to country. Recent years have been marked by a very low total fertility rates in Europe and in the Baltic states. This problem might be analyzed and discussed from different aspects. Authors suggest to compare such indicator as total fertility rates (TFR) in the countries and to look on duration and coverage for parental leave. Case study, comparative and statistical analysis are the methods used in this article.