L’acceptabilité sociale de l’usage de congés légaux pour raisons parentales : le point de vue des cadres d’une grande entreprise

Abstract

In Belgium, various measures have been enacted aimed at facilitating the combining of professional life/family life. In general, they are in no way obligatory, either for workers or for employers. A number of variables have an impact on parents' choices in taking or not taking leaves attached to family life. Between institutional measures and individual attitudes, a range of options thus exists. This article concentrates on the role played by the workplace. We thus observe that the fact of being a working father remains subject to a lack of recognition and legitimacy. In general, an enterprise's management style presupposes that familial commitments often result from private choices and are a woman's responsibility. Additionally, the enterprise's organizational culture counts, notably in defining the legitimacy granted to those availing themselves of parental leave. The question is explored here in analyzing how 137 members of the personnel of a major Walloon enterprise see that legitimacy.