How Other Countries Compare

Compared to the United States, the governments of most other industrialized nations are far more generous to children. According to Sheila B. Kamerman, professor of social policy and planning at Columbia University’s School of Social Work:

* Sixty-seven countries, including all of Northern and Western Europe, provide child or family allowances in the form of monthly cash benefits based on the number of children. Typically, the amount is between 5% and 10% of the average wage. In Austria, the amount is 15%.

* More than 100 countries, including significant numbers of developing nations, provide for paid and job-protected maternity leave after childbirth; in some countries, both parents are entitled to a leave. In Europe, a paid job leave typically lasts six months. Sweden offers insurance for parents on leave, paid at the rate of 90% of wages up to a maximum wage.

* The standard pattern of child care in Western Europe is universal, free, voluntary preschool for children ages 2 1/2 to 5, or until compulsory education begins. In France, nearly half the 2 1/2-year-olds and 98% of the 3- , 4- and 5-year-olds attend preschool programs.