Zichen Deng is originally from China, where he completed his bachelor's and master's degrees in economics. He then moved to the Netherlands for his doctoral studies at VU University Amsterdam and the Tinbergen Institute, where he received his PhD in economics in 2021. He then worked for three years as a postdoctoral researcher at the Norwegian School of Economics in Bergen. Deng is now an assistant professor at the University of Amsterdam (UvA), where he conducts research at the intersection of health economics and environmental economics. 

The Shared Beginnings project came about during a research visit by colleague Coen van de Kraats to Bergen. 'We got into a conversation about the interesting differences between paternity leave in Norway and the Netherlands. Norway has had generous paternity leave for some time. In the Netherlands, it is relatively new. That prompted our project.'    

What does your project entail?  

 'In our project, we analyze the consequences of the recent expansion of paid paternity leave in the Netherlands,' Deng says. 'We want to know whether fathers who are more actively involved in caregiving shortly after birth affect maternal and child health.'   

The research combines economic analysis with health data. 'We are using large-scale microdata to look at effects on, for example, maternal postpartum depression, infant hospital visits, as well as broader impacts on employment and costs to employers.'   

An important aspect is comparison with other countries. 'Having worked in Norway for several years myself, I see how policy differences between countries provide a unique opportunity to learn from each other. The Netherlands is at a crucial moment: paternity leave has recently been extended, making this the moment to monitor its effects properly.'  

What do you hope for the future of your project?   

'I hope our research contributes to better policy,' says Deng. 'The expansion of paid paternity leave in the Netherlands is an important social experiment. But for the policy to be effective, we need to understand its impact. Not only economically - on labor force participation or the wage gap - but also on the well-being of families.'    

As far as he is concerned, the debate on leave arrangements needs to be broader. 'Gender inequality in the labor market - the motherhood penalty, the wage gap - are familiar topics. But the impact of family policy on mental health, on the relationship between partners, and on child development deserves at least as much attention.'   

With Shared Beginnings, Deng aims to contribute to more inclusive and informed family policies. 'Policies based on data, not assumptions. That can help make the balance between work and family fairer, for fathers and mothers alike. And ultimately: for healthier children and a strong society.'