Maternaleja
Maternaleja is a term used in some feminist legal and social policy literatures to describe the combined social, legal, and institutional framework that shapes motherhood within a society. As a neologism formed from elements meaning “maternal” and “law” or “policy,” maternaleja is deployed as an analytic concept rather than a fixed set of laws. It is used to examine how maternity is regulated, supported, or constrained by public policies, workplace norms, and cultural expectations.
In practice, maternaleja covers maternity leave provisions, job protection during pregnancy and after childbirth, income replacement,
Usage and debates: Since its appearance in comparative policy discussions, maternaleja has been used to contrast
See also: parental leave, motherhood and work, gender equality.