Negotiating parental leaves in corporate Alberta

Abstract

This thesis inquiry has analysed the ways in which parental leaves are experienced by those working in medium to large corporations in Alberta. The aim of this research was to discover the implications of parental leave on workers within a corporate setting and to better understand how these implications differ by gender. Within the broader contexts of feminist political economy and social constructionism, my research uncovered three primary findings. First, leave-taking individuals lack appropriate policy knowledge. Next, leave-taking individuals redefine their leaves in non-standard ways. Lastly, leave-taking individuals struggle to balance worker and parent identities both within and outside of the home and workplace. My findings suggest that a one size fits all maternity and parental leave policy is not enough.