The decision on terminology design for the PPL policies reflects values and expectations that pursue different goals in societies. As societies change, the terminology of parental leave policies also evolves. This report provides a detailed exploration of recent developments in terminology, with a particular focus on the language used in leave policies. While the primary emphasis is on leave policies for parents of young children, it is important to note that other types of leave are becoming increasingly relevant. The report is divided into three main sections. The first examines the nomenclature used by international organisations with a focus on leave policies. The second looks at the terminology adopted by individual European countries, while the third reviews the language used in various comparative studies of leave policies. The concluding section reflects on whether a uniform or harmonised terminology for parenting leave policies for young children is desirable or feasible, and if so, what this terminology might entail.
Cite: Meil, G. and Romero-Balsas, P. (eds.) (2025), Towards a comprehensive terminology on paid parental leave, COST Action Parental Leave Policies and Social Sustainability (Sustainability@Leave), DOI: https://doi.org/10.31235/osf.io/wkuam_v1