Sumia
Akter
Contact
Areas of expertise
Biography
I am a doctoral researcher in the cross-disciplinary doctoral programme at the INVEST Research Flagship Centre (major in Sociology) at the University of Turku. My doctoral dissertation examines how parental leave reforms in Finland affect fathers' leave uptake, with particular attention to fathers with low leave uptake history and those from disadvantaged groups, such as migrant families.
In addition, my research also investigates how changes in family policy—especially parental leave policies—affect subsequent childbearing and union stability. The project employs natural experimental designs to evaluate the causal impacts of these policy reforms on family decision-making.
Teaching
Introduction to Multilevel & Longitudinal Modelling (lab using STATA)
Research
My research interests mainly focus on family policy research, parental leave, family dynamics, and social inequalities in health, education, and gender— as well as their impact on life-course transitions. I am keen on topics related to gender revolution and sociology of gender.