The paper, published in the CIRIEC Journal, analyses from the perspective of Public Economics, the Demographic Maternity Allowance implemented in 2016 with the aim of reducing the gender gap in pensions and also to socially recognise the contribution of maternity to the pension system.
In their article "Demographic maternity allowance in the framework of equality policies. Analysis of objectives, results and consequences", the authors Concha Salvador and Rafael Granell, lecturers in the Master's Degree in Economic Policy and Public Economics, examine the objectives and critical points of this public policy measure.
This measure has had remarkable results, benefiting 58% of new pensioners, but critical aspects can also be highlighted. The authors of the study highlight among the main criticisms of this measure the differences in treatment it generates: "It is not explained how it claims to be a recognition of motherhood if it discriminates against many mothers, excluding women who were already pensioners before 2016, who are the most affected by more unfavourable family and work structures. In addition, it also leaves out mothers of one child, early retirees under the voluntary system, those in the non-contributory system and those who do not have access to any pension, and it is contrary to the principle of equality between men and women, in that it discriminates against fathers, which could have counterproductive effects on real equality in the labour market and in the family sphere".
Rafael Granell and Concha Salvador conclude their article by suggesting other gender equality policies, referring to the pension system, that could improve these results. On the one hand, the researchers propose "replacing the current Demographic Maternity Allowance by the recognition of an additional contribution period per child or by a fixed-amount allowance, on a temporary basis"; and in parallel, "in the reduction of gender differences, it is as important or more important than the previous measure to improve pensions of lower amounts and reduce the number of women without pensions".
