Abstract

Even though in the last few decades working fathers have received growing attention in both EU and Italian labour law, the reconciliation of work and family life remains mainly a challenge for women. This essay deals with the issue of work-life balance from the unusual point of view of men, and of fathers in particular, analyzing the new perspectives opened up for them (but also for mothers) by the EU directive n. 2019/1158, which lays down minimum requirements related to paternity leave, parental leave and carers’ leave, as well as to flexible working arrangements for parents or carers. In the conclusion the author argues that the objective of a more equal sharing of caring responsibilities between men and women could require affirmative action specifically targeted to working fathers.